I got to thinking about my previous post on PI guns, and remembered one I once had. A Colt 1903, blue. In NRA ‘fair’ condition.
Like so many of the closed-hammer Browning-designs from around the turn of the last century, she had many tiny parts and springs. Much as a 1911, but on a smaller scale.
I think I bought her at my favorite gun store, plus an extra magazine (after-market) which never functioned quite right. The original Colt mag functioned correctly.
The plan was – as she was already kinda beat up – to have her cleaned, stripped, polished and re-blued, and the trigger jeweled. Just because.
She was to be the PI version of a Barbecue Gun. Just for show. If I was to carry a .32, it would have been the Keltec, anyway. But plastic and hard chrome has no soul, compared to gutta-percha and blued steel.
And, if you remember the story about the burglary, both souled and soulless now gone.
No more Bogart trench coat pocket gun for Guffaw.
I lament your loss. A beautiful pistol!
Posted by Keads | November 4, 2011, 4:22 pm@Keads – Thanks. But the photo is from the 'net. Mine was in worse cosmetic condition.
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | November 4, 2011, 4:24 pmTruly sad, regardless of condition, those old Colts ARE pieces of history!
Posted by Old NFO | November 4, 2011, 5:06 pmSam Spade Special.
Posted by Tango Juliet | November 4, 2011, 6:17 pm@Old NFO – Agreed, thanks.@Tango Juliet – Betcha Bogie woulda had trouble saying that!
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | November 4, 2011, 6:33 pmI always like Colt’s little “Hammerless” guns, a very elegant design from another age. I’ve owned several 1908s (.25 Auto) over the years. It was my first carry gun!
Posted by Wilson | November 5, 2011, 6:31 am@Wilson – My Dad's carry gun was HIS Dad's Vest Pocket! As you say, from a different age.
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | November 5, 2011, 6:48 amBet that was a joy to shoot. Great post.
Posted by Brigid | November 5, 2011, 6:51 am@Brigid – Naw, the sights were too tiny! Thanks.
Posted by Guffaw in AZ | November 5, 2011, 6:58 am