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

Hk Cc9 GOTW 1
Hk Cc9 GOTW 1

Gun of the Week: Heckler & Koch CC9

The Heckler & Koch CC9 isn't merely just another micro-compact. It's the result of a significant amount of work on the part of the company's US subsidiary to create the first truly American-made HK.

The Armed Citizen® May 22, 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.

The PROOF Research PXT: A New Approach to Barrel Rifling

PROOF Research has introduced PROOF eXponential Twist (PXT)—an advancement in rifling that improves durability, accuracy and shootability—to the commercial market.

Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker

Back when American Rifleman reviewed Springfield's Model 2020 Waypoint, we noted that we ...couldn’t help but wonder if a tactical-version Model 2020 rifle might be a logical future offshoot of the Waypoint hunting rifle." With the Model 2020 Heatseeker, that version is finally here.

Marlin Goes Mad: The Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894

Marlin’s latest Model 1894 lever-action rifle, a collaboration with Mad Pig Customs that is a far cry from traditional, delivers “modern, factory‑installed features previously found only on custom builds.”

The Jewish Community Is Embracing Our 2A Freedom

In this episode of the NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast, we interview Gayle Pearlstein, COO and co-founder of Lox & Loaded, a Jewish-owned and -operated gun club that now—after being launched only a year ago—has 50 chapters around the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.