History Primer 154: Colt 1903 Documentary

[@TenaciousTrilobite]

Kinda surreal seeing my gun on the big screen. Glad y'all enjoyed shooting it!

[@Lemonjellow]

TY for sharing it!

[@Somename1010]

Beautiful gun m8

[@kelborhal2576]

Same here. I take granpas gun plinking regularly. I forget it's over a hundred years old.

[@garreth629]

Thanks for lending it.

[@bradjohnson1627]

Thanks for sharing your gun 👍😃

[@Helm-w1q]

I've always been interested in this pistol. Browning in designing the 1911 tried to make it a .40 caliber using cut down Winchester 1905 auto loading brass. He kept blowing up 1905 autos. And the army wanted a.45. Because of the experiments with the 1905 auto Browning changed the design. To many slides flying off when the front lug failed. So we got the 1911. It was also chamber in. 38 acp. The combo was wimpy, so without changing anything else they jacked the power of the .38 acp and called .38 super. Browning tried to put this cartridge into the 1908 Hammerless, but again kept blowing guns up. So he settled for the .380 and drop the .38 acp and the guns that fired them . Browning in Belgium developed a hammerless version of the 1908, just bigger and chambered it in .9mm. I've only seen pictures of this gun. So there is your fantasy. Myself I always thought that Colt messed up not coming out with a good .41 spl. That would have killed the .357 magnum and maybe even the .44 mag. Oh well things that will never be. Always Colt.

[@BrianFrancisHeffron-1776]

The Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer was designed to fit in an "Overcoat", which was worn by almost all urban males during winter in the early 1900s, even the lower classes. At that time an Overcoat was necessary to survive.

[@ShadeAssault]

I laughed so hard when May tried to put it in her pocket. My girlfriend has so many pants with fake pockets. My first thought was, "Her pants have pockets!". Turns out they are useless pockets. Being a dude who doesn't have this absurd issue, I love the inside joke that all women seem to have with garments that actually have pockets. I see women in the clothing section all the time now doing the 'it has pockets' dance. Thanks for another great episode!

[@bennyjoe1990]

You'd think someone would have come out with a clothing line called "It has POCKETS!" by now

[@TheTrueNorth11]

Please stay the course guys. The primer series is the best thing on the internet by a wide margin.

[@brostelio]

I have one of these beauties in Greece, handed down by my grandfather, after he captured it during the Greek civil war (shortly after WWII) during his service in the Greek gendarmerie. I often wonder what its history is and how it got here. It was last fired in the early 80s.

[@paulmanson253]

A couple of years ago here on this channel a Greek guy wrote about a rifle his family had,mounted on the wall. To keep it,it had to be rendered unable to fire cartridges. That is what he wrote. How is it that you have a functional pistol,given what he wrote ? People write here about Spanish and French and German and Belgian and Maltese and other firearms ownership law,but come to think on it,would you write about Greek firearms law ? Thanks.

[@brostelio]

@paul manson Sure, and yes, I confirm that without a license (i.e. membership at a gun range and/or proof that you are at high risk of attack etc.) the gun has to be rendered inoperable, stored under strict conditions and in any event registered with the police. When this particular pistol was last fired about 40 years ago, it was registered in my grandfather's name (ex gendarmerie at the time) under the relevant regulations of the time. It is now rendered inoperable and in storage.

[@brostelio]

@paul manson as to additional details on Greek firearms law, I'm not sure I'm the right person to comment as my knowledge is limited. Generally, firearms are highly regulated and even things like transporting pellet rifles without appropriate paperwork can land you in a heap of trouble. Even scopes, red dots etc. are regulated and separately registered. Concealed carry permits are extremely limited and require actual evidence that the applicant is (a) properly trained and (b) a high risk target. Unfortunately there are plenty of unregistered firearms in use by criminal organisations (both foreign and domestic) so the police just try to make it as hard as possible for anyone to get access to one. Shotguns and hunting rifles fall under specific regulations, I guess similar to most of Europe. Membership at a gun range is simple enough if you have the mental capacity, clean criminal record and patience to stomach the bureaucratic mess necessary to join, but I am not sure about the laws regulating the transportation of sporting guns to and from the range. As far as I am aware, this is very tightly controlled.

[@paulmanson253]

I really appreciate the reply. Thank you. Here in Canada,there are recent ads that make it clear the federal government wishes to further restrict firearms ownership. A sore point with me,but there it is. I can remember a time when rifles and shotguns were sold in hardware stores. But then again,the parents teaching us kids were WWII veterans,and had VERY strong ideas about responsible firearms handling. At least your family was able to hang on to the thing. And you in your turn can pass on this piece of family history,different from just telling a story about it. I know just a little about the Greek civil war you refer to. It was relatively short,but brutal. And modern Greece is very much a product of that period. If your pistol could talk,it would have quite a story to tell indeed.

[@brostelio]

@paul manson Thank you, yes I very much look forward to handing it down! And what you say about modern Greece being very much a product of the civil war is very insightful! Wishing you best of luck with regard to the new Canadian regulations.

[@SachikaRomanova]

Oh good, its past 5am and I can't sleep so Othais has kindly graced me with an hour of his voice to drift off to sleep to. Well, until Mae briefly wakes me up with a little shooty interlude anyway!

[@BasedGrimace]

At least I'm not the only one he soothes to sleep with his deep manly narration of historical firearms. Bedtime!

[@brentkeller3826]

"Lookie here, we still have Sven's gun." Next episode: "And now we have Sven to go with it."

[@williamlloyd3769]

Best kind of bedtime story! Perfect way to unwind from the days activities and headlines. Too much fun.

[@davidhansen5067]

I remember back when you covered the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless, way back when. I've been looking forward both to the continuation of the Colt 1911 series, and the Reprocussion series (thank you *so* much for the update). Thank you for carrying on.

[@MandoWookie]

Yes, one step closer to the Holy Handgun. The Prophet Othias reveals more of the works of St Browning.

[@leppeppel]

There's something fantastically serendipitous about getting Mae's mini-rant about girl pockets on International Women's Day.

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

I go to an arts school with a big fashion design community, and have been stressing the pockets situation to every one I’ve come across in that major.

[@randymagnum143]

I've learnt over the years that it's just an elaborate ruse to sucker me into carrying everything.

[@billshepherd4331]

I love my 1903! It's a beautiful example from 1909. I wish I had known you were doing this, you could have borrowed my safe queen too. The only other things I have that might be of use is a 1925 Remington Model 51 & a S&W #1 type 2. Keep up the great work!

[@patbridges7913]

Thanks!

[@TerryDowne]

Thanks for an episode on one of my favorite guns, a model which is overlooked all too often.

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

Found a mint condition model 1908 with original owners manual and original magazine and original plastic grips, as well as a set of original wood grips. $800 at an estate sale. Wonderfully made little gun.

[@veryoldnavy2186]

I am a bit surprised that in the end this little gem got no more than a, "...it gets the job done," eval from Mae considering some of the tiny 32's she has in the past given a "Yes" vote. Beyond that I am extremely jealous at your opportunity to fire one of these powder powered history machines. Keep up the good work.

[@Lunchbox825]

Always thought colt should have updated this when they made the 1911 to keep it inline with the aesthetics of the 1911 and the 1903 Hammerless with the locking system of the 1911. Imagine a gun with the dimensions of the Glock 48 but in .38 Super in the 1920s

[@TheTiesThatBind88]

That would’ve been a big hit I bet.

[@outsideriehl]

The 38 super was invented in 1929. I'm going to assume you meant 38 acp

[@peppermillers8361]

​@outsideriehl that's probably the case.

[@tberkoff]

Its amazing that this gun and the Colt 1902 DA Revolver were contemporaries.

[@marcbloom7462]

In slang of the time "pocket" just meant something smaller than usual. Some of Kodak pocket model cameras were smaller than a serious camera but were still too big to go in many pockets. Of course, even Othias could put a German Pocket Battleship in one of his pockets :)

[@chitoryu12]

I've got a vest pocket camera that folds. Men's jackets had pretty big pockets.

[@jasonesler2716]

Hope everyone getting better! Looking forward to the series.

[@pminoregon9072]

I am so glad to see Mae looking serene and contented while firing a pistol again. Some of those recent revolvers left her appearing cranky on the range. 😆

[@Odin029]

I think I've seen one of those guns at 4:55 but I think it was called a BrowningBrowningBrowning pistol

[@TheTiesThatBind88]

Did it belong to a Chinese Warlord?

[@Khalrua]

when i think of 1900/turn of the century - i think Krag. It's amazing that these handguns were as far along as they were for their time

[@johndilday1846]

Great episode. You guys are my favorite KZbin channel. And please bring back more episodes with Kevin. He is hilarious and I love the interaction you all engage in when he is around. Thanks.

[@BobcatSchneidermann]

This is my sacrifice to the Al Gore Rythm gods. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@TimPimentel3006]

Othias, I know what you’re saying about not wanting to be “that guy” at the range with your action closed. An easy solution to that is opening the slide and dropping an empty case into the ejection port stove pipe style and gently setting the breech face on the case. This a popular method among AK shooters.

[@ZGryphon]

Oh hey, I'll have to remember that. Mine has a notch cut in the safety lever that you're supposed to be able to lock the bolt handle into. It, uh... let's go with "is not reliable". :)

[@timrobinson6573]

@2:45 That's almost identical ballistics to a 135 grain 9mm Critical Duty

[@colemanmoore9871]

The graph change at 23:22 is a little misleading. The diameter bar jumps way up. I thought "Aren't .38 and .380 the same size, or at least close?". Yes, yes they are. The numbers on the graph show a .1mm or .001" difference, yet the graph jumps about 20% longer.

[@Ju5-I-S0m36UY]

Very informative and professional

[@jonathanhudak2059]

I love the Colt 1903 pocket hammer, such a cool and interesting piece and concept for its day. Possibly the first compact handgun in a caliber larger than .32acp or .380 and on par like you said with 9mms of the time. Thanks for this great episode!

[@crankygunreviews]

I really appreciate the work that you all put into these episodes! So interesting.

[@Negi2468]

Excited for this series on the 1911

[@Gunner40Five]

Oh boy.....things are getting goood. Keep up the good work guys.

[@TimberwolfCY]

Always enjoy your guys' work! Thank you!

[@RhodeIslandWildlife]

Thank you guys.

[@peterwehrmeyer925]

I had a repro 1905 sears catalog. Rubber back pocket jeans holster $.19, mags at $1.00 each in a rubber holder for your other pocket. After the marines my grandpa wore these at his store. +3 grandpa.

[@leppeppel]

Well I was *about to* go to bed, but here, take this support comment first. I'll watch the rest tomorrow morning to get me through a hangover.

[@benwheeler6736]

Pockets on pants back then was very different. Also that could probably be carried in a jacket pocket especially on the inside on of the jacket. Very different time back when that pistol was made.

[@mic6469]

Thanks for the great video. 👍 I have a Nickel version of the Colt 1903 Pocket. Love it ❤

[@cameronmccreary4758]

I notice that Mae closes her eyes when the fired cartridge ejects out of the pistol; I presume to avoid damage to her eyes. Also, has anyone done a test where they've pulled the cross lock out of the front of the pistol and let the slide come off the pistol frame when it's fired into a block of styrofoam or something else; to see how much damage could occur to someone behind the pistol when it's fired and shears the cross lock.

[@ericsteenbergen9470]

There may be some destructive tests from over a century ago, but I doubt it. And to test it today you would be sacrificing a very rare, expensive and irreplaceable historical artifact for the sake of a mild curiosity.

[@travispollett2120]

I’m not in any way suggesting someone perform a test like this; however, would it actually damage the gun? Seems to me, and I admit to this being my understanding of the system without the benefit of ever seeing one in person, the extractor and springs would take more force due to chamber pressure and slide velocity but everything else would be the same as a normal firing cycle, right? Again, I fully recognize I may be incorrect and would like to know if I’m wrong in how I think the system works.

[@ericsteenbergen9470]

@@travispollett2120 the main concern here for the gun is going to be early extraction and extreme slide velocity: You are no longer connected to the mainspring, which also is a delaying force within the short recoil mechanism. So it's going to open fast and early, still under high pressure. The slide would be moving much faster than normal as well, so a very small explosion is occuring just behind the chamber. This both can directly damage all the small parts there, (potentially in the field) detonate a magazine turning the thing into a hand grenade with no fuse or, most likely of all torque the shit out of the slide and rails. Realistically probably not a super dangerous malfunction. Like, it could knock out some teeth, maybe cause a fracture but it wouldn't be sticking out of their brain icepick style. Hopefully. Maybe if you loaded it with .38 super

[@csipawpaw7921]

If you watch the old movies from the 20s and 30s you'll see they carried the pistols in their hip pockets covered by their suit coat tails or in a suit coat pocket, often the Brest inside pocket. PS: Suit pants were held up by suspenders and the top of the pants were cut to ride high above the belly button. So a "hip" pocket was actually above the hip more of a small of the back pocket.

[@stephenkissinger4434]

I realize a large part of the reason for the 1903's inclusion in this series is the lead up to the 1911, but the discussion of its very limited service in the First World War is making me half-hope we end up with a video about the Trapdoor Springfields that were issued to State Guard and other domestic units in the States. Crozier noted in a letter that 500 were provided to New York for use by their guard units and that another 7,979 were available in stores.

[@n8spL8]

It's as 'Pocket' as a pocket battleship.

[@Reepicheep-1]

Did I see you talking to that bard Sven? Love the 6-hour history of The 1911.

[@nunyabidniz2868]

WRT the discussion w/ Mae at the end re: "How is this a pocket gun?" it helps to bear in mind that pockets were bigger back then. This a fashion issue that tends to go in cycles, but remember grandad's pants w/ the belt just under his armpits? The pockets still went all the way down to his groin [origination of the term "deep pockets" perhaps?] And everyone wore overcoats back then too; if you went out, you had an overcoat or duster on, w/ nice big pockets. It was a thing.

[@loschain2224]

YES! i need popcorn for this.

[@anthonyioane4438]

Wonderful video that model has always been intriguing . a 10$ utreon supporter.

[@MisteriosGloriosos922]

Amazing video!!!

[@simonjones6128]

Nicely done

[@roboman3678]

The 1903 one if my favorite semi automatic colts. Only a bit longer to the 1911 maybe finally after years.

[@evanulven8249]

Looks like it would fit nicely in a shoulder holster as well.

[@niklasaskham4208]

Yay! Primer 🥳

[@brogeoti]

My twin brother has one in his collection that is marked with the Ordinance Wheel, inspectors' marks and the Philippine abbreviation for the Philippine Constabulary. Quite unusual as there are no real military orders, so it was probably purchased commercially and inspected prior to entering service.

[@jammbbs1688]

I can't wait to get back my colt 1911 chambered in 38 super made back in 1952 I love this pistol

[@andneekey]

A great show, thanks

[@awokado5710]

Great one again!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

There are times I wish we had a modern handgun for comparison just to get an idea size wise, this one looks like it’s about….Glock 48 size? I wonder what killed off 38 acp?

[@MandoWookie]

.38 Super killed it off. Same thing, but more power.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

@@MandoWookie sounds right

[@2copy3copy4cpoy]

couldn't agree more, lifesizepotato compares everything he reviews to a Beretta 92 and it's great to see for size reference.

[@chriskelly509]

@@MandoWookie correct, 38 super came around in the 1920's

[@ema_rem]

The overall length is listed at 7.7", which is about 3/4" shorter than a Beretta 92.

[@Arcane1954]

Lock open, enclosed muzzle, grip safety - close to perfect circa 1905.

[@timothyedge6100]

And there was much rejoicing “Yeaaaaah, yeah!”

[@andrewstraub131]

Oh man In so early the bar was just a twinkle in Brownings eye

[@Khanclansith]

Thank you Mae. And I am waiting for the 1911 episode with my "Shut Up Kevin" Tee-shirt on stand by.

[@geekmansegraves]

I'll be honest, my last two firearms I won through an Rock Island auction. It's a fun thing to bid in the auctions! Did I overpay for both of them? Probably, but I couldn't give a damn because I won via the grace of St. AMEX. Also I wouldn't have even been interested in my M1917 Eddystone if if wasn't for Othias and Mae. As always, you guys rock!

[@karlmoles6530]

I've got a Pocket Hammerless. I'd love to have one of these too.

[@matteolozano3477]

I love that gun I am a huge fan of your channel on KZbin❤ 👍 👍 👍 😎

[@jtj1331]

Trouser pockets back then were larger (think dungarees or “vagabond” style clothing) Eve suit pockets were deeper then as well.

[@presidentmerkinmuffley6769]

I am now impatiently waiting for a 'Clips' on the 9mm Bobsled.

[@ReedPhillips]

Was the use of the word “pocket” in the early 20th century meant to convey the idea of small/compact instead of a literal clothing pocket? I’m thinking of the pocket battleships of the era. Granted that usage was for post WW1 ships but it’s usage surely predated the Treaty of Versailles.

[@michaelbagley497]

Othais needs to get a suit jacket to test some of these pocket models for pocket ability.

[@kirkmooneyham]

A classic, time-period-correct suit jacket!

[@kurtb2522]

I like lujer. Thanks, Othias.

[@CountArtha]

Ah, yes: The weapon of choice for pulp comic heroes including the first few years of Batman.

[@mohammedcohen]

...and IIRC, the Phantom

[@herbertliedel7019]

@@mohammedcohen The Phamtom was one of my favorite Sunday paper comics of my youth.

[@mohammedcohen]

@@herbertliedel7019 ...yes...mine also...most folks today are unaware of the origin of the 'punisher'.

[@TerryDowne]

Bogart and Vincent Price both used Pocket Hammers in the movies.

[@wangl601]

Yay, as I wished the pocket hammer!

[@andyd2960]

Imagine how sharp those guns would have looked straight from the factory.

[@wesmcgee1648]

Slick little pistol. Probably very popular.

[@hermatred572]

Love this

[@kenobi90000]

The hammerful Colt.

[@jumpykilllerqx6029]

What about a kinda heavy high speed .40 caliber round for the pistol?

[@TenaciousTrilobite]

This particular action can’t take too much more than .38 ACP. It already can’t handle .38 Super, which is just .38 ACP +P.

[@bhoward9378]

I have been looking forward to this!!! Edit: maybe the term "pocket" wasn't meant to be taken literally. Think of the "pocket battleship."

[@tombogan03884]

How does that steel "mini 1911" in 38 Colt compare to newer steel "mini 1911's" like the Star BM in 9mm ?

[@bernardfrederic6535]

Sam Spade's weapon of choice!

[@darkoflight4938]

Perfect! Tight pants and all!!!

[@andrewwaterman9240]

Vincent Price handed 1903 Pocket Hammers out to his guests in "House on Haunted Hill."

[@anthonyhayes1267]

Well damn, I've watched that countless times but I never noticed that those were 1903s

[@matsblom7314]

Hello Do you made any history about "Wuss & CO stolp" i saw rifle MOD 98 mauser mod 147 year 1940 germany

[@outofrangetv2353]

Where is 1911? Is it safe?

[@TenaciousTrilobite]

The what now?

[@sadfrog5787]

Already had the 1911, there's some obscure pistol that no one cares about I guess though

[@timblack6422]

It’s a good day!

[@shanebeck18]

Is it still possible to purchase a firing pin for this pistol?

[@TenaciousTrilobite]

Should be the same one that was used in the Colt 1902. I’d check Numrich to see if they have any

[@markjutras3773]

Jack First Gun Parts for 1902 firing pin

[@petercarlisle2927]

Wow: seen an add. That's a good thing.

[@christhesmith]

8 years to go!

[@rocksandoil2241]

Do you realize how late you make me when you don't post until late at night?

[@kirkmooneyham]

Safety? Safety? We don't need no stinkin' safety! OR, alternatively, *wiggles first finger* "This is my safety".

[@kregchrist2826]

awesome

[@pkt1213]

Does pocket mean pants pocket? I always assumed it meant a jacket packet. Even current pocket pistols I think of as jacket and not pants.

[@martincalvo7283]

I own one and i cant find .38acp, its safe this pistol on .38 super?

[@TenaciousTrilobite]

No. You must make your own ammo.

[@233kosta]

I mean, with the hammer rested on the firing pin, the only inertia of concern is that of the pin itself. You'd have to drop the pistol on its muzzle to get that to do anything at all. Without a proper firing pin block, this is a problem no matter where the hammer sits. If there's one in the chamber, there's always the risk of that kind of drop setting off the primer. With the half-cock position, you've got a bigger problem. Drop it on its hammer (which would do nothing if it were already rested on the firing pin) hard enough, and you'll most likely break the sear. Then, if it has enough inertia to set off the primer, you've got potentially a runaway gun until the mag is empty. NOT a good place to be. That half-cock notch causes more problems than it solves.

[@3kids2cats1dog]

As for "Girl Pocket" I wounder if "tie on pocket" was still a thing in 1903. Search KZbin for Bernadette Banner tie on pocket.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

I have "endured" a lot of information from Colt Automatic scholars, the knew all the facts. This was better, and fun. (Gasp). Lots of credit to both. Only CandArsenal has Crosier. I like blueberries too.

[@hollowsoul4219]

I've spent 20 years with a 1911 in the front pocket of my levies. I can see it.

[@MJM804]

This gun was used in the classic movie "The House on Haunted Hill".

[@travhammer]

Which would morph some moons later into my kit as the, Super .38 Automatic Colt. A cartridge whose light has weaned in the shadow of lesser siblings.

[@MultiRokusho]

I bought one of these without grips and a magazine. Never buy one without the grips because the little gold colored escutcheon are very hard to find.