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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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....
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!
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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?
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.
eating breakfast and watching this, truly bliss
Glad I could be a part of a well balanced breakfast.
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.
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.
New gun manufacturers should take notes!
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.
Cool video. 1903 is one of my favorite pistols. Great design. I really enjoy the 32 caliber. 1903 is such a classy pistol.
The CLASSIEST pistol! I love them!
Good to see you again, Eli
Good to be seen! Thanks, man!
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
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.
Love the Summer Special OG single loop holster. Have one on order from MS. Can’t wait
Love your content and the history lessons! Your videos and photos make all these pistols look like the works of art that they are 🙌🙌
Great video, really enjoyed the history. Beautiful B-roll pics too, nice job Eli
Thank you! I’m not so great at video, but I do make pretty good photos, so might as well work them in!
Phew!
I thought how the heck can this guy have a Hackathorn 1911 on the table with a Tokarev……..
HAHAH, funny enough, Hack likes Toks...
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.
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!
They're fantastic little guns.
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!
The 1903 is a gun you just HAVE to have.
Great timing! My first 1903 Colt is currently at Novaks for their sights install.
That's awesome! How much are they currently charging for that?
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.
THANKS SO MUCH, FRIEND!
Great episode Eli. I also like the Colt 1903s. Just can't shoot too much considering the price of that calibre ammo.
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.
1911 is my favorite and I just bought a 1903 hammerless made in 1904
Great video! Makes me think i need one now....
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)
Great video, I love 1903s
Love this content!
Thank you so much!
Love the video man!
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....
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.
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.
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!
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.
Yep, the "beater" is going to be hard-chromed and have a threaded barrel added to it!
And…. some ivory type grips!
My grandpas best friends dad gave my grandpa a colt 1903 that he got in Japan in ww2
epic .. thx duck
That might be one of the nicest Type 1s ive seen. The finish didnt seem to hold up as well on the type 1s
taking notes on paper is not old school when you point that detail out
???
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.
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.
@@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.
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?
Any experience with the “Colt-sanctioned” reissue that came out a few years ago from U.S. Armament?
Yes, well, they’re… I’d just get an old one if I were you.
@@1776_duck
That’s the plan. 👍🏼
I have one made in 1914.
That’s awesome! They’re really, really special guns!