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

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
  • It would only make sense that my second favorite handgun is a John Moses Browning design, but what doesn't is the fact it's essentially a "sub compact". For those that don't know me, I absolutely hate "small" handguns- unless they were designed by JMB. The Colt's Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, exudes class, sex appeal, and is an enjoyable gun to shoot.
    Let's walk down a brief overview of some of my Colt's Model 1903 pistols!
    IG: @1776_duck

ความคิดเห็น • 68

  • @jdsalinger73
    @jdsalinger73 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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.

  • @samuelmarak2327
    @samuelmarak2327 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    eating breakfast and watching this, truly bliss

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @user-sc2ye2rj6g
    @user-sc2ye2rj6g 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    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.

  • @travisturbeville1341
    @travisturbeville1341 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      New gun manufacturers should take notes!

  • @RickJZ1973
    @RickJZ1973 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The CLASSIEST pistol! I love them!

  • @kylewood8327
    @kylewood8327 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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.

  • @vincentp9038
    @vincentp9038 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Good to see you again, Eli

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Good to be seen! Thanks, man!

  • @jamesclark6427
    @jamesclark6427 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @VnMJack
    @VnMJack หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @chrismayo4902
    @chrismayo4902 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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

  • @cmaster0368
    @cmaster0368 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The 1903 is a gun you just HAVE to have.

  • @09MTH
    @09MTH 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      THANKS SO MUCH, FRIEND!

  • @PhuVet
    @PhuVet 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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.

  • @1911Reloader
    @1911Reloader 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      They're fantastic little guns.

  • @ponraul1221
    @ponraul1221 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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)

  • @1996Wildcat
    @1996Wildcat 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @gregentwistle5105
    @gregentwistle5105 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Mark-c4t9j
    @Mark-c4t9j 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

  • @ArmeroPR
    @ArmeroPR 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @ponraul1221
    @ponraul1221 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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.

  • @LeeG260
    @LeeG260 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

  • @MrADjam5
    @MrADjam5 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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.

  • @01AceAlpha
    @01AceAlpha 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      HAHAH, funny enough, Hack likes Toks...

  • @bardonut
    @bardonut 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @quickdrawx007
    @quickdrawx007 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @quickdrawx007
      @quickdrawx007 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      And…. some ivory type grips!

  • @Frank-uw5xq
    @Frank-uw5xq 5 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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

  • @3eeee478
    @3eeee478 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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!

  • @dlife7427
    @dlife7427 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @ljnord63
    @ljnord63 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love this content!

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you so much!

  • @dakotachristensen3397
    @dakotachristensen3397 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Jacksonkennedy-v2j
    @Jacksonkennedy-v2j หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @bernardconeghen
    @bernardconeghen 21 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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

  • @ariesbaby7449
    @ariesbaby7449 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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?

  • @buffalobillh
    @buffalobillh 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

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

    • @buffalobillh
      @buffalobillh 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@1776_duck
      That’s the plan. 👍🏼

    • @DaneMorgan93
      @DaneMorgan93 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @russellbuonasera4786
    @russellbuonasera4786 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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
      @russellbuonasera4786 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@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.

  • @travyboy78
    @travyboy78 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @Mopatriot1776
    @Mopatriot1776 หลายเดือนก่อน

    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?

  • @ScoutTrooperActual
    @ScoutTrooperActual 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love the video man!

  • @danielwright6475
    @danielwright6475 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, I love 1903s

  • @blaiseeltine9516
    @blaiseeltine9516 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    epic .. thx duck

  • @B51608
    @B51608 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ???

  • @jamescottrell7367
    @jamescottrell7367 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have one made in 1914.

    • @1776_duck
      @1776_duck  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

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