A Quick Intro to the Colt 1903 (Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless)

The Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistol is a relatively small, .32 ACP-chambered, semi-automatic pistol developed by John Browning for Colt Patent Firearms. It is also known as the Model 1903, 1903 Colt, and Model M. 

Despite the name, the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless actually does have a hammer, which is covered by the rear of the slide. This “hammerless” design enabled the pistol to be carried more efficiently and withdrawn from a pocket or holster with a lower risk of snagging. It’s the same reason that so many modern revolvers feature a similar hammerless design. 

Following, the action of the pistol revolved around the trigger releasing a hammer that struck a firing pin, driving it into the rear of the .32 ACP’s centerfire primer. 

Over half a million Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistols were manufactured during its production run, and it was popular not only among civilians for defensive carry, but it was also issued to United States Servicemen in the Army and Air Force. 

It was a relatively simplistic and lightweight design, which could fairly easily be concealed. At only 24 ounces, with a 7 inch overall length, a height of 5.5 inches, and a width of 1.2 inches, the pistol was perfect for discreet carry and when carried conscientiously doesn’t print terribly. 

The Colt 1903 also sported some other features that made it optimal for a wide range of shooters. For one, it had a serrated slide which helped prevent the operator from slipping on the slide under high-stress scenarios, as well as when wearing heavy gloves or when the hands or slide were wet. 

The design of this unique pistol also sported two safety mechanisms, both a grip safety and a manual safety. The grip safety was spring loaded at the rear of the pistol. Later models also featured what was called a magazine safety, a feature that prevented the gun from being fired with the magazine removed, even if there was a round in the chamber. 

The relatively low recoil of the .32 ACP cartridge in which it was chambered also made it a relatively effective option for a wider range of shooters, and it was actuated by a direct blowback action, which, though they can be finicky with higher-pressure rounds, is well-suited to the .32 ACP and resulted in fairly reliable action without producing too much recoil. 

The 1903 Colt also offered reasonable capacity, as it fed from a 7-round detachable box magazine. As far as sights were concerned, the Colt Model 1903 featured a fixed front sight and a rear sight that was drift-adjustable for windage. 

Most Colt Model 1903 pistols were blued or had a nickel finish, and came with hard rubber or checked walnut grip scales, though some were also made with more exclusive materials, such as mother of pearl or ivory. 

By 1944, the design of the Colt Model 1903 was changed slightly; the sights were enlarged and two additional slide serrations were incorporated into the design (totaling 19) which allowed 1911 tooling to be used in manufacturing. Some models were also parkerized instead of being treated with a blued finish. 

While the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol was issued to some officers in The First World War, it only saw limited service in the war, but has become infamous for a wide range of other historical reasons. 

For one, the Colt Model 1903 has become associated with its use by gangsters and crime rings. Among others, gangsters such as John Dillinger and Willie Sutton were said to have carried Colt 1903 pistols, and it was alleged that Al Capone kept one in his pocket. 

The Colt Model 1903 also gave rise to the Colt 1908, which was chambered in .38 ACP. The Colt 1908 was issued to a number of general officers in World War II, including Eisenhower, Patton and Marshall. Their 1908 pistols were engraved with the officer’s name and issued with a fine leather holster. 

Over the years, a number of countries have adopted either the Colt 1903 or 1908, including but not limited to the Empire of Japan, the United Kingdom (issued to the RAF), and the Shanghai Municipal Police. 

Today, the Colt Model 1903 remains a popular gun among collectors not just for its historical significance but for its influence on firearms’ design, as well as for the fact that it and variants were carried during World War I and II. 

Here for Colt Model 1903 Parts?

Whether you currently have a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol or are in the market for Colt 1903 parts, you’re in the right place. SARCO, Inc., carries a wide variety of Colt 1903 parts including but not limited to slides, springs, firing pins, and other internal gun parts like hammers and sears. See if you can find what you need in our collection and if not get in touch with us directly and we will be more than happy to assist.