Colt's · Pistol

Colt Model 1903 Hammerless

Name: Colt Model 1903 Hammerless
Brand: Colt's

Blowback (semi-automatic) · .32 ACP · introduced 1903

Also known as Colt Pocket Hammerless, Colt Model M, Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless

Find Colt's Colt Model 1903 Hammerless for sale Check the market price

About the Colt Model 1903 Hammerless

The Colt Model 1903 Hammerless is a blowback-operated, single-action semi-automatic pocket pistol chambered in .32 ACP, designed by John Moses Browning and produced by Colt from 1903 to 1945. Despite its 'Hammerless' name, the pistol uses an internal hammer concealed beneath the rear of the slide, giving it a sleek, snag-free profile ideal for concealed carry. With over 570,000 produced, it became a favorite of the OSS, FBI, and U.S. Army general officers, who were issued examples roll-stamped 'U.S. PROPERTY' during World War II.

Known as the pistol of generals and spies, the Colt 1903 was carried by Eisenhower, Patton, and FDR, and remained a discreet sidearm of choice for OSS and intelligence operatives through World War II.

Colt Model 1903 Hammerless specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Action: Blowback (semi-automatic)
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single action
Calibres: .32 ACP
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Magazine: Detachable box magazine

Dimensions

Barrel length: 95 mm (3.7 in)
Overall length: 171 mm (6.7 in)
Height: 114 mm (4.5 in)
Width: 25 mm (1.0 in)
Weight (empty): 0.68 kg (1.50 lb)
Weight (loaded): 0.74 kg (1.63 lb)
Sight radius: 140 mm (5.5 in)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand
Grooves: 6

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Slide: Steel
Stock: Walnut
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 270 m/s (886 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 168 J (124 ft·lb)
Effective range: 25 m

History

Introduced: 1903
Discontinued: 1945
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: John Moses Browning

Features

Concealed hammer
Snag free profile
Fixed sights
Internal hammer

Safety

Grip safety
Manual safety
Magazine disconnect

Issued as the U.S. Army General Officers pistol from the 1940s until replacement by the M15 in the 1970s; recipients included Eisenhower, Bradley, Marshall, and Patton. President Franklin D. Roosevelt also carried one. The companion Model 1908 chambered the larger .380 ACP cartridge.