Comments on: Classic Guns: “Vintage Carry” and the Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pistol

By: gunslinger454

gunslinger454 — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:43:37 +0000

While I’ve always been a fan of the .380ACP version of the firearm mentioned in the article, the Colt Model 1908 Pocket Model Hammerless, I think that I would have to simply go with an older version of what I carry now: the 1911 in .45ACP, although a 1911 in the Colt .38 Super Automatic would be a good choice too! Or maybe a 4″ S&W Model 27 in .357 Magnum…or a Colt New Service ‘Fitz Special’ in .45 Colt (except with the trigger guard left intact!)…or maybe a Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Army in ‘.44 Winchester’ (.44-40)…or…well…there are just too many good options to choose from!!!

Still, the Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pistol would NOT be on that list. The gun itself is fantastic, but the .32ACP was too underpowered then, and it is too underpowered now!!!

By: AllenG

AllenG — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 05:09:44 +0000

I suppose it wouldn’t be much different than the one above, except that it is much more powerful. I would carry a Russian Tokarev TT-33 in 7.62 x 25mm. (Or any of the European satellite state copies) The round can penetrate body armor, and the gun itself is fairly compact. With a little work I’m sure it could be cut down to accommodate even smaller spaces. The Russian rounds have really been ignored by Americans due to their prejudice towards Soviet era anything.

I’m one of the converts that heard what his enemy combatant instructor was saying about their superior small arms when we were briefed on strategy back in the 80s. The explosion of AKs and Dragunovs in the U.S. after embargoes were lifted is no accident.

I realize that the TT-33 doesn’t strictly fit the pre-war category just because the U.S. waited to join WWII until Dec. 7th. 1941, but I won’t tell anyone if you don’t.

By: Tribune6

Tribune6 — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:20:59 +0000

The vintage Gun I carried for awhile was a C96 broomhandle in a shoulder holster under a field jacket. Impressive but not practical.

By: sesquiculus

sesquiculus — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:55:05 +0000

S&W model 3 safety hammerless in 38 S&W. Pre-1899 antique status gives certain legal advantages many places. If you get stuck overnight at an NYC airport, you will not get arrested. You can even ship it to yourself in the mail. Gotta be willing to reload your own ammo. Alternate: cut-barrel S&W new Model 3 in 44 Russian or 44/40. Seen several– must have been a common modification for pocket carry. ALL are antiques.

By: maninho

maninho — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:53:47 +0000

Among pre-WWII handguns, I would choose a Walther PP in .380 (9mm Kurz) caliber. A fine double action pistol with a good safety and a bit more powerful than the .32 Walther
PP in .32 (7.65mm) caliber I used to wear when I had a carry permit before gun laws were unduly over-tightened here in Brazil.