Colt 1903 .380 ?

deputydon

August 23, 2004 12:38

I just picked up an old Colt Pocket Pistol that is Stamped 1903 and .380 Cartridge. I have a nice 1903 in .32 and always thought that all the 1903's were 32's. I checked the Blue Book and couldn't find any .380's listed prior to the 1908 Colts. Is this gun really a 1908 & just stamped 1903 or what? I can post pics & serial numbers if needed. Thanks, Don.

When they pry it from my cold dead fingers.

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  rldowns3

  August 23, 2004 12:53

  you sure it's stamped .380 and not .38acp or .38 rimless smokeless?
  
  

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  deputydon

  August 23, 2004 14:02

  rldowns3 - yes it says .380 - thats what is throwing me. I will post pics when I get home. - Don
  
  
  When they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
  

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  rldowns3

  August 23, 2004 14:11

  Another crazy question...the stamped lettering on the slide where is says "1903", are you positive that it's not worn off and just looks like it says "1903" and not 1908"?
  
  

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  deputydon

  August 23, 2004 19:30

  rldowns3 - here's what is on the left side. (I got out the magnifying glass to be sure.)
  
  COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD CT. USA
  PATENTED APR. 20,1897, DEC. 22, 1903
  
  S/N 84547
  
  Right Side:
  
  COLT AUTOMATIC
  CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS
  
  Don't know if this helps or not. Will try to get pics later.
  
  Thanks Don
  
  
  When they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
  

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  swiftyswede

  August 23, 2004 20:00

  It is a 1908 colt, all .380's were 1908's. The patent dates are the same as the 1903's since the guns are identical minus the caliber, no new patent had to be filed and thus the 1908's were built on the 1903 patent.

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  Hangfire

  August 23, 2004 20:05

  Swifty nailed it. 1908's are not marked differently, just different caliber.I have owned several of each over the years.
  
  Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob

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  rldowns3

  August 23, 2004 20:25

  OK...even I learned something.
  
  

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  deputydon

  August 24, 2004 05:35

  Thanks guys! That's kinda what I decided, but it's nice to know for sure. I appreciate all the help. The old gun isn't worth much but shoots ok and I was just curious. [:)][:)][:)]-Don
  
  When they pry it from my cold dead fingers.
  

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  Forcep1

  September 01, 2004 15:27

  I was just happening to look at this forum on the same topic of 1903 Colt .380. I too have the same markings on my COLT;patented APR 20, 1897 Dec 22, 1903. On right side of slide; COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS . Are we talking the same gun here? Anyway just thought I'd share. Serial # is 30936.
  
  
  Dr. O

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  swiftyswede

  September 01, 2004 15:45

  Yes, what you have is a 1908 colt in .380.

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