The Colt 1903 Returns

by
posted on May 12, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Seen the Colt Bulldog Gatling? Well, the same guys have brought back the classic John Browning-designed Model 1903 in .32 ACP, also known as the Colt Pocket Hammerless or the Model M. This is a genuine Colt, and it bears the Rampant Colt on its slide’s rear as well as a handsome set of checkered walnut stocks set off by a gold-tone Colt escutcheons.

Made in the United Sates, this retro piece weighs in at about a pound and a half and is made of well-Parkerized steel. It has a 3 3/4” barrel and has the smooth lines of the original. Our test gun—which will be on “American Rifleman Television” next season, also has “U.S. Property” on its frame, much like a General Officer’s pistol. The eight-shot gun is beautifully made, but it has the abysmal sights of a century ago, as well a magazine release on the heel of the frame. It is a marvelous rendition of one of Colt’s greatest guns. I can’t wait for the polished blue version.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Nula Model 20 1
Gotw Wilson Combat Nula Model 20 1

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat NULA Model 20

In our latest "Gun Of The Week" segment, we’re taking a closer look at Wilson Combat’s NULA Model 20, a lightweight, bolt-action hunting rifle that incorporates innovations first pioneered by the “rifle wizard of West Virginia."

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: DoubleTap Ammunition SnakeShot Defense

Combining a payload of shot with a light-for-caliber bullet, DoubleTap Ammunition's new SnakeShot Defense load provides a do-it-all cartridge designed to function reliably in semi-automatic actions.

ERGO Grips Walks To Help End Alzheimer's

ERGO Grips joined thousands of walkers nationwide this fall for the annual Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer's. Team ERGO walked in loving memory of company founder Stephen Hines and his wife, Barbara, both of whom battled dementia in their later years.

Ruger Introduces Harrier AR-15 Rifles

Sturm, Ruger & Co. announced the launch of Ruger Harrier rifles, a completely re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles that represents the company's latest evolution in AR-pattern firearms.

I Have This Old Gun: Westley Richards "Monkey Tail" Carbine

In the mid-19th century, Westley Richards, a British firm, developed a breechloading cavalry carbine that, due to its unique mechanism, earned the name "Monkey Tail" carbine.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.