Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, .32 ACP- My Second Favorite Handgun

[@travisturbeville1341]

I have a 1926 model 03. It’s the most comfortable gun I have carried. Nothing on it pokes you and damn it’s a sexy little gun.

[@1776_duck]

New gun manufacturers should take notes!

[@jdsalinger73]

My grandfather (RIP) "sold" me his 1903 ('31 vintage) that he carried as a policeman. It's my favorite handgun in every way. Like budda. It's in excellent condition. Only some hairline scratches on the front of the grip. It's priceless to me.

[@chriz2355]

My grandpa passed away and I got his gun and it’s a 1903, glad you made this video I’ve been looking up a bunch of stuff on it.

[@Dan-x4o3m]

As far as I’m aware, there really isn’t any modernized versions of the pocket hammerless, at least to the extent that the 1911 has been updated. Would alchemy ever consider doing their take on the 1903 pocket hammerless? I think that would be pretty cool.

[@toneswithtommyrobbie450]

Yeah duck ask em first thing tomorrow

[@stevailo]

Repro of that Novak custom 1903. Would buy in a heartbeat

[@samuelmarak2327]

eating breakfast and watching this, truly bliss

[@1776_duck]

Glad I could be a part of a well balanced breakfast.

[@jamesclark6427]

I have two 1903, one first pattern from 1906 with the 4" barrel and separate bushing, and one third pattern from 1919. Both were quite worn looking when I got them, and I refinished the later gun with Parkerizing to look like the version issued to generals until 1974. With checkered wood reproduction grips you have to closely inspect it to see it isn't a mint original version. I use it as a street gun routinely. The extremely slender 1903 is barely perceptible in the waistband and light enough to be very comfortable in an old size small Bianchi X-15 vertical shoulder rig I got for $15 and redyed black. The Triple K reproduction magazines work perfectly with any ammunition. .32 ACP is a generally superior cartridge to .380. .380 looks a little better on paper, but in actuality they deliver identical performance. .32 also typically displays somewhat improved mechanical accuracy and feed reliability. I don't know why, but this observation is fairly well studied and many have noted it. .32 ACP is easy to handload and works equally well with jacketed, plated or cast bullets. Unfortunately it's not very popular in the United States. This is a shame, because it's one of the ideal calibers for women, the standard load is exactly the same effectiveness as 9mm ball in actual shooting results, and traditional .32 autos are rather easier and more pleasant to shoot than the ultra compact .380s that women unfortunately often get steered towards in gun stores. Kurt Wolf's shops, which are Ordnance Research and U.S. Armament, aren't very far from where I live in Pennsylvania, and I got my old Sears Craftsman Commercial lathe from him many years ago. Kurt has an extraordinary collection of everything that shoots, and he used to come out with us on the range now and then. I believe he carries both 1903s and 1908s at times. The heel magazine release is generally superior to pushbuttons. I don't know how many times I've had buttons inadvertently release the magazine while carrying various guns, and I've had to trim down the height of them on some of my guns and for many other people who had the same problem. The button is very slightly faster than the heel release, but having the fastest possible magazine change by fractions of a second is essentially meaningless in the real world. Only in timed competition does it become an authentic factor. Heel releases are also substantially more durable, and a mechanically superior design that does not inadvertently release.

[@ponraul1221]

John Browning was so ahead of everyone. The 1903’s size is very similar to a P365XL, about the smallest you can go while still allowing a full grip.

[@RickJZ1973]

Cool video. 1903 is one of my favorite pistols. Great design. I really enjoy the 32 caliber. 1903 is such a classy pistol.

[@1776_duck]

The CLASSIEST pistol! I love them!

[@gew1898]

It’s amazing how many officers led their men “over the top” with .32 ACP pistols in their hands, during the Great War. Today people wonder if it’s “enough gun” to run down suburban quickie mart for milk on a Saturday morning.

[@ponraul1221]

I’m sure many people would love to see a modernized version of the 1903. (1911 mag release, paddle safety, improved sights, even optics cut)

[@vincentp9038]

Good to see you again, Eli

[@1776_duck]

Good to be seen! Thanks, man!

[@LAu-zg8cx]

Thank you for this very informative - and funny - video. It is a treat to hear a real expert about these nice pistols.

[@VnMJack]

I love mine, it was made in 1911. That's a year before the Titanic went down. Pretty cool!

[@cmaster0368]

Great video, and best one-stop shopping guide and basic primer on 1903 Colts I've seen. (I love C&Rsenal and I'm sure their deep dive is great, but haven't yet invested that much time into this gun. Yet.) I've had a few pre-war Colts but still haven't pulled the trigger on a 1903. You may have just made me finally do it. Please keep up the good work!

[@1776_duck]

The 1903 is a gun you just HAVE to have.

[@gregentwistle5105]

Great video, really enjoyed the history. Beautiful B-roll pics too, nice job Eli

[@1776_duck]

Thank you! I’m not so great at video, but I do make pretty good photos, so might as well work them in!

[@bardonut]

Love your content and the history lessons! Your videos and photos make all these pistols look like the works of art that they are 🙌🙌

[@redbird7775]

Next Browning design we need you to get into is the 1st Series Colt Woodsman! Company’s today say they have a tool less 22 like it’s a new thing when Browning made it 100+ years ago! I have a 1927 6in that can still shoot amazing!

[@09MTH]

Keep up the great content! Public Enemy has a great cameos of the 1903/1908, Depp/Dillinger regularly has one. Love the gun play of the early 1900's guns in the movie, Michael Mann is the best. Would love to see video/videos of sentimental guns that may or may not have monetary value. I have an old Sears .22 that is not worth a lot but has a connection to both of my grandfathers.

[@1776_duck]

THANKS SO MUCH, FRIEND!

[@MrADjam5]

Great vid! I was given one (type 3)mfg 1923 by a close friend in the box with all papers. It is one of my safe queens and most treasured handguns. Awesome info here. Browning is one of my heroes and I did some reading on his father also. You can see where he got his start and how his being became great.

[@1996Wildcat]

Great timing! My first 1903 Colt is currently at Novaks for their sights install.

[@1776_duck]

That's awesome! How much are they currently charging for that?

[@1911Reloader]

I love the 1903, not lucky enough to own one yet but I've worked on one and got to test fire it. Love the videos!

[@1776_duck]

They're fantastic little guns.

[@kylewood8327]

My grandfather was a sheriff and he carried a Spanish Sanios Eibar 7.65 version of the Colt. Yours of course are much nicer but the one I have is cool too.

[@ironmikehallowween]

They are fabulous pistols. So elegant. Thanks for the video

[@Serenityindailylife]

There were some colt reissue pistols done 10-15 years ago. I have one, it's a good reissue and it looks nice except the finish isn't as nice as my original 03's. I have a presentation case behind my desk under my Afghanistan carried Flag. It has a pair of 1903 colts in a suspenders holster mount. It has an 03 springfield and an 1897 winchester. I call it my WW1 3-gun setup. It was done originally as a joke but I love my 03's currently those are a part of my collection of 12 that I have collected. Sig tried making the ppk a 9mm and made the p230/p232. That's why it's so overbuilt. They ended up making it in 380 after they failed.

[@LeeG260]

Great episode Eli. I also like the Colt 1903s. Just can't shoot too much considering the price of that calibre ammo.

[@1776_duck]

It’s not cheap, but hopefully as more people get into these guns, you’ll see the ammo become more available and therefore companies becoming more competitive on price.

[@ArmeroPR]

Love the Summer Special OG single loop holster. Have one on order from MS. Can’t wait

[@3eeee478]

I really want to get those Novak sights for my 1930 production colt 1903 pocket hammerless. This is a fantastic pistol, possibly my favorite ever, except THOSE FACTORY SIGHTS!

[@russellbuonasera4786]

26:00 Great video. Came by an ‘08 accidentally, liked shooting it, but…only one mag, no repros available, and originals can cost as much as the pistol. So I moved it on. Still thinking about getting an ‘03 repro, having Novaks tart it up, and commissioning a 9mm version of their “1911 Pocket Hammerless”. That’d be a classy “primary + backup” carry package.

[@1776_duck]

I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of the “1911 Pocket Hammerless” from anyone but Cylinder and Slide… it’s a pretty ugly gun. Interestingly, Browning DID make a prototype “Hammerless” gun for the cavalry, but as there was only one (I know of) made, it didn’t fair well.

[@russellbuonasera4786]

@@1776_duck Ah, memory. It’s a fallible thing. Of course the “1911 Pocket Hammerless” is Cylinder & Slide’s work. And you don’t like it at all. That’s ok, I still do. Looking forward to the video on your Novak ‘03. Hope your jaw keeps on healing.

[@chrismayo4902]

I really think if somebody made these today in .32 and .380 standard 1903-1908’s they would sell really well! They are IMHO the absolute best concealing most comfortable’ thinnest accurate reliable compact autos ever made’ they could even update it to a double stack version and pigeon hole the market with a high cap .32 .380’ it is such a sleek design in every way, i absolutely would buy versions of every model and carry it everyday

[@sakamoto2467]

They would be 800-1000 dollars and made of mim parts made in 3rd world countries, then assembled in a closet at Colt. Although i would certainly love higher production of 32acp.

[@Mark-c4t9j]

I've been waiting for this video and it surely did not disappoint. You've rekindled my interest in this model, and that Novak build is right along the lines of what I would want. It would be great if Alchemy rogered up for doing builds like this...I don't suppose this video was done to gauge interest? I could see finding one of the US Armament 1908s and having it cut up like yours. I'm sure you'd have the interest....

[@1776_duck]

This video was done because I absolutely adore the 1903… although, it would be fantastic to be able to rerelease a modern version with ACW.

[@Frank-uw5xq]

Love these, I was lucky enough to get one about 20yrs. Ago almost now, a friend's Grandpa had it for forever, it's a 32acp, the longer version I believe, I gave it to my Dad,so I'll have to ask what version exactly, love the form factor, & like you said light year's ahead, & for the time it was IT

[@ljnord63]

Love this content!

[@1776_duck]

Thank you so much!

[@bernardconeghen]

if you have one and want to spiff it up do what I did went to NC ordance got fake ivory grips with a hand of cards on one side and pair of dice on the other side looks awesome enjoy

[@danielwright6475]

Great video, I love 1903s

[@quickdrawx007]

Good stuff. I own 4 type 3 1903’s. Three are original finish, beautiful I must say, and one is my shooter. I got it refinished in matte black. If you don’t know, go to in lead we trust and pick up a threaded barrel for it. That my friend turns heads at the range and so quiet…… modern gangta if you will. Enjoyed the video.

[@1776_duck]

Yep, the "beater" is going to be hard-chromed and have a threaded barrel added to it!

[@quickdrawx007]

And…. some ivory type grips!

[@snakeman48]

I have a threaded barrel for my 1903 from "lead we trust"

[@OldManMontgomery]

I collect M1903s. I have a type 1, a type 3 and a type 4. I know this will amaze you, but no type 2. I am looking. I find them fascinating. As I write this (01/01/2025) the model is 122 years old. One should rise and be respectful. I am not over impressed with the .32 ACP (7.65x14mm) cartridge. But when it came out, it was smokeless, shot a FMJ bullet and was easy to shoot. With the then susceptibility of the human body to infections of various sorts.via traumatic wounds, any firearm was deadly. Not to mention the 1903 was easy to hide on a normally dressed person. I remember reading somewhere the German Army prior to Hitler's reign found the 7.65x17mm pistol round superior as it would penetrate a helmet. On top of all that, it was reasonably easy to fire and recoil wasn't intimidating. Have to agree with your hints about no magazine safeties. The term 'idiot device' comes to mind. Other guns for which I am looking. An FN M1910 (7.65mm) and a non-safety Beretta JetFire (950). Not to mention the Typ 2. Heel Releases. The primary purpose of the thumb - push button - release was to enable mounted calvalry troops to reload on a horse. One's 'other' hand was busy with reins, controlled what would be expected to be an excited horse. Mades knitting difficult as well. Have to share. Years ago I bought my first M1903 at a gun show. Condition of NRA Hideous. Finish was completely tone, Not an exageration, one could see the wire buffer marks. (I suspect it had been stored poorly and such.) It had mother of mastodon grips that in the dark were still ugly. I smoothed the finish somewhat. Checked all the moving parts and found them aged, but serviceable. Removed the rear sign - original but worn - and replaced with a smaller, older, GI Government model rear sight. Fit right in the dovetail and is a square notch sight, a bit wider than the 'v' on the original sight. I replaced the front sight - my mind fails how - with a square bit of steel I scrounged; I picked the front sight as a bit too high. Had the slide tastefully engraved did the adjustments on the sights to get them shooting to point of impact and had the whole thing rust blued. Replaced the grips with faux ivory grips looking much in shape as the rounded original style. It's my fancy Sunday to meeting gun.

[@StephenStrader-f2z]

I’ve been putting off getting my CC and getting a nice handgun to carry for personal protection. I think I’m down to the 1908 Colt PH, the Browning BDA, and the Browning/FN Hi-Power. Obviously the 1908 and BDA are usually .380, and the Hi-Power typically 9mm with larger magazine capacities. For someone that’ll only probably ever get one handgun, which do you think would make the best CC weapon to carry and use in a life or death situation? If it’s worth anything, I’m a 32yo USMC vet who constantly qualified High-Expert Pistol and High-Expert Rifle (highest level of score) when in the service, so each shot will most likely be a deadly one. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I won’t necessarily need the extra round capacity, though it would be nice. I would prefer something that is very reliable, very accurate, and possibly also has good accuracy from a good distance. And if need be, something that’ll be able to unload a magazine quickly and accurately if need be. I don’t know if the smaller caliber handguns are better at doing that than the larger, you tell me! What do you think?

[@dlife7427]

That might be one of the nicest Type 1s ive seen. The finish didnt seem to hold up as well on the type 1s

[@user-yd2jr1uj7u]

Freshly minted subscriber just now. Good show, thanks.

[@dakotachristensen3397]

1911 is my favorite and I just bought a 1903 hammerless made in 1904

[@ScoutTrooperActual]

Love the video man!

[@Mopatriot1776]

James Reeves on tfbtv said The us army manual state's the Colt 1903 can be converted from 32 acp to 380 by just a barrel and magazines swap is this true?

[@jessezainey9310]

I know for a fact this is true with two other Browning guns. The Fn Model 1910 and 1922 variant can be transitioned with just a barrel change. I have done this in both with guns I restored I purchased a barrel in the other caliber. You can even jokingly put a 1922 barrel on a 1910 for an extended barrel look (or to get it threaded lol). They shot and cycled fine. With the Colt I have seen several sources say no as well. Really it will come down to, do the exterior dimensions of the .380 barrel align perfectly. 1903 and 1908 colt share several parts that are swappable. Remember that both 1903 and 1908s have variants, so there is that to pay attention to with barrel swaps. Exact dimensions is the key factor (the chamber has to be center with firing pin). Like I said though, I know it works for the Fn 1910 Brownings. If you have a 1903 or 1908 it could be worth getting a barrel from the right variant just to see.

[@travyboy78]

Great video! Makes me think i need one now....

[@ariesbaby7449]

I Have A Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer Chambered In 38acp Manufactured In 1914. Thinking Of Getting It Restored. The Slide And Frame Are In Nice Condition. Just Missing The Blueing. It's Really A Smooth Shooting Pistol. I Would Love To Get A 1903 Pocket Hammerless One Day. Thanx For The Video. 1776 Duck Do You Have A pocket Hammer?

[@01AceAlpha]

Phew! I thought how the heck can this guy have a Hackathorn 1911 on the table with a Tokarev……..

[@1776_duck]

HAHAH, funny enough, Hack likes Toks...

[@buffalobillh]

Any experience with the “Colt-sanctioned” reissue that came out a few years ago from U.S. Armament?

[@1776_duck]

Yes, well, they’re… I’d just get an old one if I were you.

[@buffalobillh]

@@1776_duck That’s the plan. 👍🏼

[@DaneMorgan93]

@@1776_duck what’s the matter with the reissues?

[@1776_duck]

@@DaneMorgan93 They're not as nice and typically more expensive than the originals.

[@theminister85]

is this what the Kimber Solo was modeled after?

[@The-BCC]

Is there a difference in the feel & quality of the triggers between the ones with a mag safety and those with out?

[@montanawheeler]

I know this is an older video but watching it and looking at the patent drawings isn't the FN Reflex and updated 1903? Internal hammer not exactly a pocket pistol by today's standards but still. It's meant for concealed carry and all. Just increased capacity which is pretty much what everyone wants these days. Just a random thought.

[@Jacksonkennedy-v2j]

My grandpas best friends dad gave my grandpa a colt 1903 that he got in Japan in ww2

[@B51608]

taking notes on paper is not old school when you point that detail out

[@1776_duck]

???

[@blaiseeltine9516]

epic .. thx duck

[@jamescottrell7367]

I have one made in 1914.

[@1776_duck]

That’s awesome! They’re really, really special guns!

[@inspire_greatness7464]

I don’t know how this video got by me…😮. Anyway I love my 1903 Pocket Hammerless (made in 1912)

[@Trentonjohn316]

Fun fact al capone favored the 1911