Colt Model 1903 Hammerless
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: Colt Pocket Hammerless, Colt Model M, Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 680 g (24.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 740 g (26.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171 mm (6.73") |
| Barrel Length | 95 mm (3.74") |
| Height | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Sight Radius | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 270 m/s (886 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 168 J (124 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Automatic Colt Pistol, 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mm Browning SR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Safety, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Concealed Hammer, Snag Free Profile, Fixed Sights, Internal Hammer
Variants
- Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless — Caliber Variant
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1942 · as General Officers Pistol
- Office of Strategic Services
- Shanghai Municipal Police
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Estimated total produced: 570,000 · Production years: 1903-1945
Approximately 570,000 Pocket Hammerless pistols were produced across five model types from 1903 to 1945, including military contract pistols issued to general officers.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Moses Browning
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
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.
Background
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.