Colt Model 1903 Pistol Review

[@raggs2007]

My father carried this in WWII in the Army Air Corp. I now have his gun. I will never sell it.

[@deanspeir]

My dad was issued his as a "General Officer's Sidearm" when he was called up in '42, and carried it all through North Africa, the ETO and Korea. Still have it, and shoot it on occasion. Wouldn't hesitate to carry it, either.

[@khamuldergroe5662]

my grandfather was in the allgemeine ss and carried a cz-35 in 9mm short. a few years ago it brake... goodbye memories!

[@johnsykora439]

Well Raggs you cant sell, it is priceless :)

[@chrismc410]

raggs2007 my paternal grandmother owned a Colt 1903 and kept it on her in her house robe at all times. She was a deadly shot with it. When she passed away, she left it to me and I've had it ever since. I'll never sell it. Everything still works on it, hardly any finish left though.

[@shanekingsley251]

I got 120 EBT right now for it

[@dapryan]

I love my 1903, mine is also a 1919 production year. 97 years old and shoots amazingly. It has never jammed, failed to feed, failed to fire, etc. So happy to see you review this great pistol. Keep up the great videos and doing what you do.

[@stevemccarty6384]

The .380 round was created for this pistol. It shoots about like a .38. I own one. It is an amazing little...not so little, shooter.

[@paulhare662]

This pistol and an M1 .30 carbine have been my two favorite arms throughout my adult years. The style, function, ease of handling and history associated with them, in my humble opinion are without equal. That and the fact that in November of 2020 I was able to find plenty of ammo for both at reasonable prices. Gotta love the classics that the experts shun!

[@NBFaded2497]

I saw one of these at my local pawn shop for $450 just today. I hesitated. And now I'm going to have travel back up there because I regret not buying it.

[@derekroundhead4117]

Casey Powell so were you able to get it?

[@dreamdiction]

@@derekroundhead4117 bump

[@LuisRamirez-ln3cj]

@@dreamdiction He actually did go back, but tried to steal the gun and got shot by the shop owner.

[@dreamdiction]

@@LuisRamirez-ln3cj LOL - he deserved it.

[@attorneyelmo7151]

@@derekroundhead4117 I beat him into it and now it's here with me in Manila Philippines

[@lundin1loveshumvees687]

"They just function" That is because John Browning designed it.

[@dylanwight5764]

"In the beginning, there was the way and the light. The way was the tilting breech and the light was muzzle flash" -- Book of John Moses Browning 19:11

[@doctoreff1]

You can really see the strong influence this gun had on Tokarev and his TT-30 and TT-33. Also, the turning barrel with the grooved lockup is reminiscent of the CZ45.

[@ПавелЧервев-я9о]

На ТТ оказал влияние "браунинг 1903" и "кольт 1911". И ТТ перестал удовлетворять требованиям Красной Армии к началу 40х годов. Был уже разработан более совершённый пистолет. Но в серию так и не пошёл. Война помешала. Промышленность не справилась бы с производством нового пистолета

[@antona.4572]

Actually, this gun only looks like TT-33, while the internal design of Tokarev's gun is more based in Colt M1911, another one of John Browning's designs, with some modifications and simplificarions, of course.

[@antona.4572]

@@ПавелЧервев-я9о да никаким требованиям Красной Армии ТТ ни разу "удовлетворять" не "перестал"! Всё это миф, созданный с целью оправдать идиотскую идею замены ТТ на пистолет Макарова ПМ- откровенно полицейский, но никак не армейский пистолет - в армии (притом что в милиции и ВОХРЕ ТТ продержался вплоть до восьмидесятых, хотя им-то как раз больше ПМ подошёл бы)! ТТ официально сняли с вооружения в армии по причинам, весьма далёким от объективных, при том, что неофициально этот якобы "не удовлетворяющий требованиям" пистолет применяется до сих пор, втч и профессионалами, которые предпочитают его ущербному ПМу.

[@ПавелЧервев-я9о]

​@@antona.4572Токарев за основу брал два пистолета Браунинга. Систему запирания с серьгой и ударно спусковой механизм собраный в едином блоке как на пистолете 1903 года. На мой взгляд это оптимальное решение для того времени. Красной Армии пистолет нужен был быстро и времени на изыскания и разработки не было. Поэтому решение взять лучшее, что есть и адаптировать для своего производства самое верное. Джон Браунинг на тот момент лучший конструктор самозарядного оружия.

[@MigueAngelAstra]

Amo esta pistola en 380 acp.

[@peltel2222]

My everyday carry. Went back to it after many others. Love it. All I can say.

[@callofthewillman4469]

Naw is it really? In 32? What ammo do you use?

[@peltel2222]

@@callofthewillman4469 Yes I did. Now that i no longer work for LE, I carry it when I have heavier clothes on. I use the Hornaday Critical Defense 60 Grain. Zero muzzle rise and plenty enough power to get the job done. The .32 was sought after for it's ability to stay on target while other heavier caliber rounds are wasting time reacquiring the target.

[@johngaston6719]

​

[@robertpatter5509]

​@@callofthewillman4469 Try S&B 73gr FMJ. A good load to use.

[@LuisRamirez-ln3cj]

If it was good enough for Al Capone, it's good enough for me.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

It was good enough for Mark Twain

[@starscream1457]

it was good enough for legend chandra shekhar azad it is good enough for me. ..jai hind, inquilab zindabad,bharat mata ki jay🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@lookythat2]

Beautiful classic pistol. Browning got it right the first time. I'd love to get my hands on one.

[@photosbymaddog]

I inherited one.. made in 1917.. served as a 'gun under the register' for a rural Oklahoma grocery store in the depression. Reputed to have shot at, and foiled, a robbery by a young Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd. It's my carry gun of choice

[@A1fnxxx]

Amazing will you ever sell?

[@1guyin10]

When it came out, the .32 ACP was considered a potent enough round. It was actually adopted by a number of militaries and police forces for standard sidearms. Of course you have to consider that many guns at that time fired projectiles in the 550-650 fps range so by comparison the .32 ACP was a hot little round, especially when fired out of a 3 1/2 to 4 inch barrel.

[@benzielke7149]

My dad has one identical to this but with worse bluing, still awesome little gun. He is leaving it to me when he passes on. I will treasure it always.

[@sageltruckman]

My Grandfather carried one just like that in the 60's as his back-up pistol. So much different then what I carry today. Love that gun

[@bladerunnermonty8570]

What a beautiful masterpiece, with a legacies of stories behind such a weapon, gives a American woman or man more reason to stand up and fight for the right to keep it . Thank again for another great video.

[@robertlinn3552]

Will never give mine up .

[@LIONTAMER3D]

It was built with the ease & comfort of every day carry in mind; JMB was a thinker

[@Rhethion]

I found one of these made in 1913 in a local pawn shop for $300, and now it belongs to my wife. There's a lot of honest wear on it, but the thing is such a joy to shoot. I would never carry it in a modern context, but back when it was made....

[@ChesapeakeWahido]

The definition of a classic pistol is the 1903

[@2manyhobbies76]

I am blessed to have my father's 1908. It is such an ergonomic pistol, a pleasure to shoot, and the perfect size for CCW. Mine is an heirloom so I won't carry it, but often wish I could. With a positive 1911 style slide-safety and a proper mag release, it would be an excellently easy pistol to conceal carry in .380 1908 form. Thanks for the nostalgia and memories your video stirred up in me, Don.

[@crabbyhayes1076]

I had two of these in pristine condition. What wonderful guns to shoot. I moved to Canada, and did not wish to fight the authorities, so I sold them for very little. I have been regretting it ever since. Great review - thanks

[@noway57]

Should of snuck one in

[@thinmizzy365]

You regret selling them or regret moving to Canada?

[@ken-dw4or]

My friend's father was a bombardier on a B17G in WW2 he never carried his issued 45 colt but carried this 1903 32 caliber pistol on him. He told me that it was out of fear that the bulky 45 colt in a shoulder holster would get got up in the escape hatch if they ever had to bail out. If you ever saw the side escape panel on the B17 for the navigator and bombardier you can see why the concern.

[@Z7d3nR4]

My grandfather used one of these as his service pistol when he was police chief. He taught my mother to use it, and gave it to her when she married his son and moved to Chicago in 1952. I have it now, and absolutely adore this gun.

[@Stephenschlechty]

Thanks for doing this review. I have one chambered in 380 that was passes down to me from my grandfather. They are sweet little pistols. It's good to see someone doing the reviews on classic firearms!

[@657449]

Forty years ago I got the 1908 in .380. It was nickel plated and someone had done some engravings that looked like palm leaves. The sights are dismal so I put contrasting nail polish on the front and rear sights.

[@rang123yea5]

This is what Michael Pitt's character Jimmy Dohrety carried in Boardwalk Empire. Richard Harrow called it a "Good Gun for Killing UP Close"

[@KingDaveth]

Literally just finished this show for the second time, it's one of my favorite shows now. And I love this gun because Jimmy and Richard carry it.

[@88B111]

I've been dying to see a review on this pistol for the longest time, thanks Sootch!

[@intense_pickle]

why isn't colt remaking these in .380? hell, i'd buy one!

[@markpeightal5025]

intense_pickle they did model 1908 same gun but in .380

[@916fanatic1]

They have made a run of brand new ones in .32 acp

[@godzillasimpson8357]

I would rather have a 380 but 32 acp is still lethal and will kill someone. Someone once killed a mountain lion with a 25 acp. How's that for a "weak" round.

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

@@godzillasimpson8357 a bullet no matter the size at the end of day is a hot chunk of metal traveling at near the speed of sound ready to bore itself in warm flesh never ever let someone tell you a round is too weak

[@TommyboyGTP]

My grandparents have one. They got married shortly after WW2 was over, and he bought it for her to keep in the house when he was gone at work for days at a time since he was an electrician on the railroad. This was the first gun that I got to shoot as a kid, now i'm 40. Thanks for reviewing this pistol, it brings back so many family memories.

[@RickJZ1973]

Very nice video! The 1903 is one of my favorite pistols. It's a quality classic gun. The old school bluing is beautiful. Also, the wood grips were hand checkered. In my opinion, it is a very well thought out piece of engineering. The 7,65mm round is no joke. Many people on internet gun forums readily dismiss it as a sub-caliber or mouse cartridge. The truth is that the round can be considered a viable self defense cartridge for concealed carry, as it hardly has any recoil. Thus making it easy to keep rounds on target. The only downside that I can think of regarding the 1903 is how difficult it is to obtain original spare magazines.

[@billpohlman1446]

wow! A beautiful piece of history --well done! Some of the few generals that I met in NAM (1968) were very proud of their Colts and belt buckle issued when they were promoted to general officer rank. A WW11 vet told me how he grew a 2nd dimple when shot in the chin by an axis soldier with either a .25 or .32 round. Although interesting, I have avoided belly pistols like this!

[@jameshorton7496]

Great video. I have a Colt .32 auto like yours. I believe mine was manufactured in 1917. Looked it up once and that's the year they came up with. I've had it myself for 11 yrs. It's a family heirloom. My Grandfather had it originally, when he passed my Dad got it, then when my Dad passed my brother took it. When he passed 11 yrs ago, his daughter asked me if I wanted it, I said yes. I've never fired it and have no idea if it was ever fired before. Now that I can see how to disassemble it, I can take it apart and clean it and get it ready for firing, which I would really like to do.

[@danschneider9921]

Mine was my grandfathers...he was a plainclothes policeman in NYC in the 20s, and was made in 1928. When you consider some of the other automatic handguns were "normal" in 1903....its a hell of a design

[@dylanwight5764]

The Model 1903 is still a valid concealed carry option if for whatever reason you prefer .32ACP and want a very low profile pistol (or don't think you can pull off the tuxedo and PPK look)

[@MartinTraXAA]

Popular gun with SOE\MilOrg guys during WW2. Was very good to carry in the pocket of civilian clothing, and quickly pull out and fire when in a pinch. In a video showing how they trained SOE agents to walk a course where they'd suddenly throw out a target at close range who the agent then had to aim and fire at from the hip, firing rapidly. Pretty darn cool.

[@vithovorka4269]

Czech & slovak paratroops operating at occupied CZ sent from UK use these gun. That´s why I ´ve checked this video. As we are now celebrating 80th anniversary from successfull assassination comitted on Reichsprotektor Reinhard Heydrich.

[@MartinTraXAA]

@@vithovorka4269 A good day to celebrate! Visited the church they held out at afterwards when I last visited Prague :)

[@excavatoree]

Dad has one that my mom bought him before I was born. I took it home to clean it for what is probably the only time it's been cleaned since he got it. Dad's given me a couple of his firearms as he gets older, but he tells me I'll have to wait to get the 1903.

[@gallagjg]

I just got one passed down to me in near mint condition, my great grandpa’s. I love it. I have swapped parts out so I can it down in as good condition as I got it in.

[@1138karmer]

I snagged one of these in near mint condition today.

[@jacobh1151]

damn.

[@916fanatic1]

I have a Nickel one from 1925 with pearl grips in .380

[@comlbbeau]

@@916fanatic1 I believe they call that the 1908 model.

[@exoticsaucyy3456]

How much did you pay ?

[@shanelen]

now your talking, love the smooth lines on that pistol, why can't they make those now?

[@ndwndw9991]

www.gunsamerica.com/blog/new-colt-1903-hammerless-shot-show/

[@hanzcruz7620]

1911

[@hanzcruz7620]

Jk

[@DV-cm3tb]

They are making them now. Go to Colt.com

[@MrCarGuy]

They do, except they START AT $1,400

[@jackwood8307]

Just cleaned and test fired one this morning! Sweet pistol!

[@herbbenson6884]

When my father-in-law passed away among his possessions they found a pistol like this only it is nickle plated has pearl handles and seems to be a bit smaller than the one sootch has here. When the three sisters were dividing things up nobody wanted it. Too dangerous they thought. I was dumb founded. I calmly, but quickly, spoke up "I'll take it". I had it checked, we took it to the range. It was easy to shoot, comfortable, accurate. My wife was a pretty fair shot but the range was noisy and the ear and eye protection mussed her hair. And when that spent hot casing went down her blouse well that was just too much for her. Sadly she never went to the range again (but I go as often as I can). Thanks for the videos sootch I enjoy 'em all.

[@Sp33ddialz]

I've been waiting to see when this would pop up on your channel! Great choice, Sootch!

[@keithmcconnell3165]

Don’t know how manny shots that guns have less. Thank you for showing us.

[@johnmadow5331]

I brought one cal .32ACP. in 1983 from county store in Hunson NH for $250.00. No rust or pit in wood grips in excellent condition. I love the gun and hide it.

[@doc29a]

My cousin in Mexico still has my grandfathers Colt M1903 and also the baby version that he had on his ankle as a backup.

[@richardnajjar2202]

My maternal grandfather and World War 1 Army infantryman had a .32 Colt pistol and carried it with him in the 1920s and 30s while owning and managing his restaurant, and selling real estate in Washington, DC. When the US entered World War II, my grandfather was recalled back into service, given a warrant officer’s commission, and assigned stateside in DC. The Colt became mom’s companion as she went horseback riding in Rock Creek Park in the early morning hours and while in college at American University and Georgetown. She further carried the .32 Colt into the early 60s and once warded off an assailant who tried to run her off the road while driving home from my dad’s nightclub. Just aiming the Colt toward the passenger window frightened the assailant enough that he ran off the road. Shortly thereafter, my mom gave the Colt to my aunt who was single at the time and living in Texas and working at an Air Force base. Her son, my first cousin, has that old Colt today.

[@clydehoppers6375]

Dry firing can eventually break the firing pin. My dad was a gunsmith, that was one of the things he was vary adamant about. I would love to get a '03 Colt.

[@HailWoden18]

True for older firearms. Not true at all for the vast majority of Modern Centerfire firearms. Rimfire is a different story.

[@FiveStringCommando]

I *LOVE* the 1903 Hammerless. My first handgun. Mine is 1921 mfg.

[@TomMJH]

Its a shame that a larger size frame .32acp pistol isn't made today.

[@BrianEthridge-wg6ko]

Well apparently there's a lot of good minds to think alike. I've said the same thing more than once I like the caliber and I just recently bought a couple of Taurus 327 revolvers that shoot five different 32 caliber rounds. I also have several little mouse guns that shoot 32 ACP but I wanted a full size I just found one of these at my local gun store for 1100 bucks looks like I'm going to have to get it

[@TheRealCobraBurnout]

Wow. This is a neat Firearm. Especially for how old it is!! Lots of cool history. Superb video as usual.

[@lunarfaze]

I just inherited one of these, made in 1914. It's pretty roughed up though. I learned a lot form this video. Thank you!

[@556suppressor]

I only have 4 boxes of .32 ACP. I bought 2 of these in .32ACP. A great quality pistol from 100 years ago.

[@Rustebadge]

Great pistol. Own three of them - 1910, 1919, 1924. They work flawlessly. Hoorah for John Browning the USA.

[@busch327]

Great video. I was born in 1959, my dad was born in 1921. Ever since I was a little kid, this gun was in the house. it was passed down to my dad by my Grandfather. My dad died in 1978. My mom met a new guy in 1985, my mom died in 1988 and that gun was gone. I wish it was still there so I could have passed it onto my son. My dad did give m a .22 rifle he got from his dad that was made in 1918. I gave that one to my son 5 years ago. Thanks for the memories.

[@johnmadow5331]

I brought one in 32ACP from the country store in Manchester, NH in 1983 in excellent shape for $250.00. I never fired this gun so I don't know anything much about it. I love the guns since I saw one in Philadelphia in mint shape but it reserved for the "boss" it cost $250.00. I love the gun since I live alone in NH at that time and it is a good protection. I have walnut grip and I got rid of it in 1992 at the gun shows along with Colt military M-1901 hammer in .38. When I moved to CT I brought a real excellent shape one in rubber grips for $550.00 in 2015. Still love the gun and I had original ammo for it.

[@eduardopineschi5351]

I have one… it’s just marvellous pocket pistol It works like a brand new one Awesome video Congrats!!! Let’s make America GREAT again

[@carlclink9993]

Thank you so much. I just inherited this gun from my cousin. It’s in excellent condition and the serial number is 308725, a little before yours. My uncle was in the coastal artillery so maybe could’ve been his issue side arm? I learned a lot from your video again thank you.

[@evilsomnus]

I still have my dad's 1930 model 1908 he carried in Korea and Vietnam. Great handgun.

[@gpclipner]

Great little pistol. Love my grandfathers "Belly Gun"

[@GrinderCB]

Ah, the Pocket Hammerless, the gun so nice I bought it twice ;-D I stumbled across one in .32acp at a gun store about six years ago and liked it so much I bought it. No box but it came with the 2-page instruction sheet plus a cleaning guide. I love how it says I should go to my local pharmacist and have him mix up a solution of this and that for use as gun cleaning fluid. A few years later I bought the 1908 in .380acp. I'd really love a .25acp vest pocket hammerless to round out the set.

[@PeepshowBaldwin]

Sootch, I'm writing a novel about the changing face of Texas Rangers in 1908, and one of the characters carries a shiny new 1903, so I've watched this video about a dozen times for reference. Thanks for doing this.

[@johnnyfedpost1776]

I think guns like this age like fine wine, no matter what condition

[@JDL9615]

Wow! What a coincidence! About the same time your notice of this video arrived, I was purchasing a 1903 Pocket Hammerless (Type 1). The Serial Number is 27XXX, which means it was manufactured in 1905. The condition is fantastic. This one has the "Browning Patent" stamp on the slide and it has the barrel bushing. Thanks for the review, It would be blast to have a shoot off between the two.

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

I just inherited a type 1 1905 32 that belonged to my dad. It has some wear but it functions like butter. I'm in the learning stage, I'm proud to have it. 👍👍

[@harrisonthecarguy3734]

I inherited my grandpa's colt 1903, don't know when it was made but it's real nice

[@Pwj579]

Thanks @sootch00 love your content. I had to consult this video to help me to remember how to reassemble my 1903 hammerless. Probably one of my favorite pistols to carry and shoot

[@johndavis1312]

us armament corps sells new production ones that are awesome

[@2215college]

My grandfather was a police officer for 40 years and he carried a Colt 1903 (manufactured in 1917) as his back-up pistol. I own it now and it’s still the best pistol I’ve ever shot. When the time comes I’ll give it to my grandson. I will never sell it.

[@recoilrob324]

It's interesting that they originally called the .32ACP 'rimless' because it's actually 'semi-rimmed' and very similar to the 38 ACP or Super today. Compared to the 32 S&W (which is likely what they were trying to differentiate it from) it has no rim worth talking about like a revolver round...but that little bit of rim still there can cause the dreaded 'rim-lock' if the top round somehow gets behind the one beneath it. Using FMJ normally precludes this happening because they fit well in the magazine, but if you try JHP they're normally shorter which can let the second round scoot forward under the top one and you get a jam. The KT P32 is susceptible to this so FMJ all the way! And interestingly if you compare penetration depth the 32 often will drive deeper than the 380 and you are in no way poorly armed with one if you can shoot it well. Beautiful gun...beautiful review. Really enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@RedHuntsman]

What I like about JMB's 32/380 ACP pistols are that they are so narrow and conceal so well.

[@us2berlin]

I have one of the new Colt 1903's that was a limited production run of 3500 launched last summer. It's actually made by U.S. Armament for Colt. When I first got it, I had all kinds of malfunctions, including FTF's, FTE's, and failures to fire. I took it to a gunsmith, and after he confirmed there were no mechanical issues with the firearm itself, he realized that U.S. Armament had put the wrong sized spring in the magazine. Once that was fixed, it has run flawlessly, with a coupe of caveats. One, it doesn't reliably cycle JHP's. They just don't want to ride up the feed ramp. Secondly, at least in my gun, it will only reliably cycle 73 gr ammo. 71 gr ammo doesn't seem to have enough energy to engage the blow back mechanism. With the magazine issue fixed, and using 73 gr ammo, I absolutely love this handgun.

[@dapryan]

sorry to hear the troubles, its a real shame because my 1919 production year 1903 has been the best cycling/feeding/ejecting firearm i have owned so far. It has never jammed, failed to feed/fire, or any other issues and that includes Hornady JHP's. If you can pick up a good condition original for a reasonable price id highly recommend it for a classic pocket pistol.

[@HillbillyMusings]

Mr Browning knew how to design a fine gun and the 1903 Colt is no exception.

[@hugort100]

Thanks a lot for this great video, I am from Venezuela South America, and I can say you that we enjoinged your way or form of made it... please still doing good... Mil Gracias.!!

[@ralflibarios4449]

Beautiful gun... Reminds me of Browning Hi Power.

[@J3ffish]

I just got this as a hand me down from my uncle. Excellent video as always. Thanks Sootch

[@jala5293]

Just got a hold of my great grandmother’s M1903. It is in very good condition.

[@romeoechofoxtrot18]

I would like to see a modernized version of this pistol from Colt

[@darrendyson8347]

You're the man old school!!! A lot of people don't know this is the Dick Tracy gun how do I know I've been in love with this movie since I was a 6 year old boy and I'm watching it again on Thanksgiving and I looked up and Googled what gun was on the desk with his badge and this was it. Happy Thanksgiving

[@larrygregory2585]

I have my grandma's Colt 1903 (serial number 972), and one thing I noticed is that you MUST use bullets with a round nose (like the Fiocchi that you used) instead of flat-nosed or hollow-point bullets. This gun will jam most of the time if you don't use round nose, but I've never had any problem using the Fiocchi ammo.

[@SamSung-mw6qt]

I love the .32. The CZ 70 is a fantastic .32. Cheap and tough as nails. I don't feel undergunned, and I can put rounds on target.

[@enscroggs]

Neither hammerless nor rimless, but a heck of a piece of history. Love it.

[@mikemaki850]

your videos are a good balance of shooting and information including history, and especially with old guns that's important. keep it up it works.

[@ke6igz]

I have one of these and its a great pocket pistol. Easy to shoot and rarely malfunctions. They don't make them like this anymore.

[@ralphtkane1106]

Excellent review. Everything you need to know and nothing you don't need to know.

[@imthatguy1878]

I have the 1903s,1908 and the new reissue and they've all been 100% reliable

[@humpy936]

Absolutely love, mine, an exceptionally well thought out pistol.

[@afinoxi]

These guns are actually relatively easy to find in Turkey as they were adopted as the official service pistol for Turkish Police Forces by the order of Sultan Mehmet Reşat. 12000 of them were ordered. They're best known in Turkey as "Tuğralı Polis". Tuğra is the Ottoman Sultan's seal which is on the gun's slide toward the tip which is the reason as to why they're called that. They were chambered for 9x20 Long Browning and they generally sell for around 4000 Liras plus 2500 liras for license making up to around 6500 dollars to buy one (about 900 dollars).

[@katelynneshouse2834]

Although both the Colt 1903 (chambered in .32/.380 acp) and the FN m1903 (chambered in 9mm Browning Long, i.e. 9x20) were both designed by John Browning, aside from the outward appearance they are completely different pistols. The FN is a straight blowback full size holster pistol, while the Colt is a smaller pocket pistol in smaller calibres!

[@JJI0610]

Thanks for posting this video. I especially appreciated the tip about finding the sweet spot on the disassembly alignment marks. Such a simple, effective suggestion!

[@gregsg2351]

I knew I like this pistol but after your review I really like this pistol and going to look for one. THANKS

[@RandallMoore1955]

You just cant beat a Colt, To me Colt is (SECOND TO NONE). Sootch00 is pretty darn cool as well. Thank you.

[@fbriansmith]

A great gun. Inherited one made in 1916. Like yours flawless operation with over 1000 rds through it.

[@antimattercarp2720]

I think this was designed by browning through.

[@NTKFT-yk5xq]

Well thank you for that

[@chrismc410]

Antimatter Carp it was. All of Colt's semi automatic pistols with the exception of the All American, were designed by John Browning. The 1903 was scaled up to accept a .45 caliber bullet, given an exposed hammer, a swinging link and cuts in the slide and on the barrel to lock in place and to unlock on recoil. The result of these modifications: the 1911

[@22megaton29]

Well if the 32 ACP is capable of taking out an archduke and his wife It should be able to protect your life

[@Z7d3nR4]

The only reason I don't CC mine is that the local LEO's would take it into evidence if I had to shoot someone. And once they saw this beauty, it would probably get "lost" in evidence control.

[@abradolflincler1245]

22megaton don't forget the dog ;-;

[@newhuskytwenty]

22mwgaton. An unarmed noble man and his wife as an example? Frech soldiers used in WWI the Spanish Ruby pistol chambered in .32 auto acp against German soldiers without complaints!

[@dwightehowell8179]

You are correct. The reason that most people think it was a .32 is most of the pocket Brownings were in .32. For some reason in Europe the .32 was very popular while the .380 got very little attention.

[@trashcanpossum230]

Gavrilo Princip actually used an FN 1910 in .380 acp.

[@kayakwesternpa8496]

Nice pistol. I think that cylinder & slide does custom jobs on these. I'd send mine in but it has some family history but that might be worth checking out if you want to make a cool project out of it. My 1903 has about 600 rounds thru it with zero hiccups. I like to let newbies and first timers try it because of the enjoyable firing and historical dimensions of it. Leads to do many questions that really get the new shooter interested. Good vid.

[@pbody0808]

Dude, you never disappoint! Great video! Thank you!

[@BricksAndSparrows]

Turn the .327 fed mag into a rimless cartridge and build a version of this gun to accommodate the cartridge. Widen the grip to accept a double stack mag. You could drop the grips off and do something like the glock RTF. That would be my ideal carry gun.

[@JohnDoe-cx7vq]

this is my backup pistol for my boot. it is a very good reliable pistol.

[@albertamico5338]

I have a 1903 that's over 100 years old, and my father bought it in 1920 when he came across from Italy. My father had it in his possession until 1958 when he passed. I have had it since then. It has never ever been fired, and it is in pristine condition. How much is it worth?

[@sunrisesurfbum]

I'm a big fan of 1930's and 1940's detective movies and film noir, the sophisticated dudes and dudettes who always end up being the criminals carry one of these. I've been jonesing for one forever, I hope to find one in good shape some day. Apparently there are some repros out there but I'm not sure of the quality? Would love to see a review of those... If Colt made a repro of this I'd buy a few in a second...although they'd probably list for like $2k or something crazy.

[@916fanatic1]

They have, look on Gunbroker.com

[@jimrodriguez8047]

Nice 1903! I have a 1919 manufactured pistol less than 3,000 units above your serial number. Another great vid..thanks

[@1guyin10]

Colt has licensed it for production again so we will see some new ones on the market soon.

[@RoyaLineage]

I have a 1903 .32 ACP from 1921. Was my great grandfathers he carried as protection carrying the cash box home from his job at a pharmacy. Original box (all falling apart at this point) and paperwork that came with it. 1 original mag, and Triple K mags I have purchased work flawlessly. I’ve found the lip on the bottom of the mag to be uncomfortable for larger hand sizes, and of course the heel mag release isn’t “tactical reload” friendly, and I sure hate blade sights. But as a CCW it does the job. Yes it’s a bit long in the tooth and heavy compared the the current P365 standard, but if you got one already it will definitely do the job. Very low recoil and slim, little to nothing to snag on as well. It’s not really a great range gun beside conversational piece in my experience, and best served as a stowed backup gun.

[@sergeantbigmac]

Fun Fact Sootch, rubber and bakelite are different things... Bakelite was actually an early type of plastic. Most of the black grips from this time period people think is plastic is actually 'gutta percha' a hard material which is just rubber before its vulcanized

[@frederickhuicochea46]

Hey, there is another gun with a very similar breakdown, rotating the barrel, I just can't recall it right now. It too is a small caliber pistol.

[@SlimRhyno]

The phrase "An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age," springs to mind 😏

[@brainphelps1994]

sure it's handy and ergonomic, but also POWERFUL!! This is one of the most powerful handguns around.