Found this in the LGS yesterday and couldn't resist. Based on Serial number search it was produced in 1915. Did not come with box and paperwork but pricing was hard to beat. Have not fired it yet and I'm not sure how much I will. Thinking this one is destined to be a firearm I pull out of my safe every once in a while and just marvel at this history this little gun has seen.
New to me Colt Pocket Hammerless .380
- Thread starter Rothdel
- Start date
ammo.crafter
New member
Hammerless
I believe Gen. Patton carried one of these Colts during WW2.
I believe Gen. Patton carried one of these Colts during WW2.
Colt Model M is a fine pistol and fun to shoot.
However, there is one safety check you want to make, particularly since a dry fire is the only way to get the hammer uncocked for storage.
The firing pin in the Model M is in two parts -- because otherwise it would be too long to insert into the firing pin tunnel. The forward part of the pin has a spring that causes it to retract when the hammer is cocked. If that spring has become fossilized because of age, dry firing can cause the forward firing pin nose to become wedged into the firing pin hole in the breech face, and if this happens, you've converted the pistol into an open bolt auto that fires when the slide is dropped on a chambered round!
Test:
Gun is cleared; nothing in chamber or magazine.
Drop slide into battery.
Pull trigger to dry fire.
Now very slowly retract the slide just enough to view the breech face and inspect to be sure there is no part of the pin showing through the hole.
I've repaired a couple of these. At one time, at least, a replacement front firing pin spring was available for purchase; don't recall if I got them from Numrich or Colt Parts. Replacement requires driving out one solid pin in the slide to remove the firing pins; this solid pin removes from left to right.
However, there is one safety check you want to make, particularly since a dry fire is the only way to get the hammer uncocked for storage.
The firing pin in the Model M is in two parts -- because otherwise it would be too long to insert into the firing pin tunnel. The forward part of the pin has a spring that causes it to retract when the hammer is cocked. If that spring has become fossilized because of age, dry firing can cause the forward firing pin nose to become wedged into the firing pin hole in the breech face, and if this happens, you've converted the pistol into an open bolt auto that fires when the slide is dropped on a chambered round!
Test:
Gun is cleared; nothing in chamber or magazine.
Drop slide into battery.
Pull trigger to dry fire.
Now very slowly retract the slide just enough to view the breech face and inspect to be sure there is no part of the pin showing through the hole.
I've repaired a couple of these. At one time, at least, a replacement front firing pin spring was available for purchase; don't recall if I got them from Numrich or Colt Parts. Replacement requires driving out one solid pin in the slide to remove the firing pins; this solid pin removes from left to right.
The Colt pocket pistol, in either caliber, is one of the most reliable of the type ever made and a fine gun, though without the DA considered essential in the breed today.
FWIW, I believe that pistol has been refinished, not a consideration for a using pistol but a major point in evaluation.
Jim
FWIW, I believe that pistol has been refinished, not a consideration for a using pistol but a major point in evaluation.
Jim
spacecoast
New member
I was fortunate enough to have been given an early Pocket Hammerless .380 (1910 - with barrel bushing) in excellent original condition (fire blued small parts and all) a couple of years ago. It still shoots great, although I also bought a later one for shooting. My most treasured handgun, for sentimental reasons.
Attachments
The finish looks great if it's original and even if it's refinished it looks OK. It's just as common to find refinished models and original finishes in good condition are hard to find.
Assuming it's in good condition, firing it should be fine. These guns are solid beefy guns designed to shoot. It's possible to find spring kits and replacing them might be prudent since the round count is unknown.
Assuming it's in good condition, firing it should be fine. These guns are solid beefy guns designed to shoot. It's possible to find spring kits and replacing them might be prudent since the round count is unknown.
Bill DeShivs
New member
There is no reason to drop the hammer for storage.
Fun shooters. I inherited both a .32 and .380 from dad, and didn't shoot either of them for more than twenty years; don't think either had been shot in my lifetime.
Aftermarket mags are spotty, originals are expensive.
Think twice before trying to detail strip. Some say they are easy to take apart but difficult to put back together, but I've quit, twice, early in the disassembly process.
Aftermarket mags are spotty, originals are expensive.
Think twice before trying to detail strip. Some say they are easy to take apart but difficult to put back together, but I've quit, twice, early in the disassembly process.
spacecoast
New member
+1, I've read that it's a suicide mission. No reason to go there if all is well.
Been there, done that, had to borrow my co-workers hands to get it back together. Fortunately it's not really necessary to take the lower part very often.
Fun guns. I built a custom 1903 in .32 with full checkering, beveled mag well, and full-size black sights off of a Combat Elite. Even with a really dark bore it shot great.
Fun guns. I built a custom 1903 in .32 with full checkering, beveled mag well, and full-size black sights off of a Combat Elite. Even with a really dark bore it shot great.