Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt/US Armament 1903 Pocket Hammerless!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt by US Armament Corporation
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's ACP
Serial: GOP0258
Caliber: .32 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3.75"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
These pistols were designed by John Moses Browning and were initially called Model M by Colt. They were produced for over four decades, from 1903 to 1945, with approximately 572,215 entering civilian production and 200,000 more for the military. The pistols were immediately popular with the public and approximately 10,000 were sold in the first year alone. Production stopped in 1945, but so many parts had been produced that they continued to be assembled until 1953. They were even issued to general officers in the Army and Air Force as late as the 1970s. All five variations of the 1903 are included in these totals. The Model 1908 pistol was almost identical to the Model 1903, but it was chambered for .380 ACP and had a smaller magazine capacity. The new cartridge, developed by John Browning for the Colt 1908, could not compete with the popularity of the .32 ACP, which had been in production since 1899. Therefore, only 138,000 Model 1908 pistols were sold retail, and an unknown number were made for military contracts. During Shot Show 2015, Colt showcased a Colt 1903 at their booth. The display was quite understated, with no grand reveal, hype, or fanfare. The pistol was simply displayed under glass, and one of the creators showcased it in the massive Colt booth. The actual story is that Colt had contracted U.S. Armament Corp to produce a licensed replica of the Colt 1903 pocket hammerless general officer's pistol.
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless General Officer's ACP
Serial: GOP0258
Caliber: .32 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3.75"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with Colt Medallions
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
These pistols were designed by John Moses Browning and were initially called Model M by Colt. They were produced for over four decades, from 1903 to 1945, with approximately 572,215 entering civilian production and 200,000 more for the military. The pistols were immediately popular with the public and approximately 10,000 were sold in the first year alone. Production stopped in 1945, but so many parts had been produced that they continued to be assembled until 1953. They were even issued to general officers in the Army and Air Force as late as the 1970s. All five variations of the 1903 are included in these totals. The Model 1908 pistol was almost identical to the Model 1903, but it was chambered for .380 ACP and had a smaller magazine capacity. The new cartridge, developed by John Browning for the Colt 1908, could not compete with the popularity of the .32 ACP, which had been in production since 1899. Therefore, only 138,000 Model 1908 pistols were sold retail, and an unknown number were made for military contracts. During Shot Show 2015, Colt showcased a Colt 1903 at their booth. The display was quite understated, with no grand reveal, hype, or fanfare. The pistol was simply displayed under glass, and one of the creators showcased it in the massive Colt booth. The actual story is that Colt had contracted U.S. Armament Corp to produce a licensed replica of the Colt 1903 pocket hammerless general officer's pistol.
U.S. Armament Corp is the same organization that produced precise replicas of the Colt Model 1877 “Bulldog” Gatling gun a few years back. These Gatling guns are stunning with their highly polished brass and walnut finish. Moreover, the reproductions are said to be so exact that some parts of the originals and the reproductions are interchangeable. U.S. Armament is known for its accuracy and attention to authenticity when reproducing the Colt Model 1903 pistols. However, it's worth noting that according to USAC, the parts of the new pistols may or may not fit the original Colt pistols. This is because many of the original Colt pistols were hand-fitted; similarly, the parts for the reproductions are also hand-fitted. Thus, sometimes, even the original parts don’t properly fit on the original guns.
It should be noted that the guns have been replicated to include most of their original imperfections. For instance, the grip safety that some users found difficult to activate has been included in its original form. Similarly, the right-handed, manual safety that is easy enough to use and offers no tactile or audible feedback still remains a simple checkered lever with a smooth pivot. Additionally, the small sights that were curiously prevalent among guns of that period have not been enlarged. For those who prefer the original heel release, no push button magazine release has been added. It is also worth mentioning that since the Colt 1903 pre-dates 1911, the slide does not lock open on the final shot, nor is there an accompanying slide release for such a feature. Although those who wish to use this gun as an alternative to modern concealed carry options will appreciate the authenticity, they should also consider the lack of many common and desirable features.
It has been reported that only a limited number of these once-popular pistols will be reproduced. Initial reports after Shot Show 2015 indicated that 2,500 of these pistols would be produced, including 500 GO-issued pistols. However, updated information from USAC reveals that the total run of pistols will be 3,500, of which 2,500 will be parkerized general officer's pistols. 500 "presentation" models will also be produced, with serial number duplicates to those issued to specific U.S. Generals, deluxe presentation cases, and information on that specific general. It is likely that the serial numbers issued to the most famous generals (Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley, etc.) will be donated or presented. The remaining 1,000 pistols will be shipped in white to Colt's Custom Shop, receiving special grips, finishes, engravings, and inlays.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory-labeled original box and paperwork and all other contents pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
