New barrel for Colt 1903 32 acp on order

[tejano]

A few minutes ago I placed an order with U.S. Armament for a new barrel and another magazine. I ordered a magazine several months ago and wanted to try it out before committing to another. The mag has been good to go from the beginning. I had been thinking about ordering the barrel for some time but I had not been able to get answer from them until today regarding bore diameter specifications. Previous emails went unanswered so yesterday I left a phone message. Well, apparently they had to go measure some. They left me a phone message today that they consistently got .312" on their measurements. I won't know until it gets here whether minor fitting will be needed on my mine which I believe was manufactured in 1943.

In any event, I thought some of you .32 aficionados would like to know.

[bouncer50]

What is wrong with your old barrel. The weird part of 32 ACP depending on the maker the bore can run 309 to 313. I have five different models of them. Just like the 380 auto 355 to 361 bore size.

[tejano]

Ha! Nothing is wrong with the old barrel. My behavior is often not rational when it comes to .32 revolvers and semi-autos. Presently I own a baker's dozen, but have owned more at one time.

[Outpost75]

I have pondered whether to get one of the new re-issue barrels as a possible replacement for my circa 1920 date of manufacture Colt Type III. Despite its "dark but strong, salt and pepper" bore, it shoots well, typically 2" or less for 5-shot groups at 50 feet, which I feel is realistic for this type of pistol. Full magazine load 8-shot "dumps" off sandbags are about 4" at 25 yards, which is fully as good as my newer Walther PPs or postwar Berettas do. Results are about the same whether with Euro-CIP 73-grain FMJs from Geco, RWS, Sellier & Bellot or Fiocchi, or with my handloads using either Accurate 31-077B, 31-087T, 31-090B, 31-090V or 31-095T with full charge loads using Bullseye, #2400 or AutoComp.

179087
I also own a baker's dozen of various .32 rifles, auto pistols and revolvers. I enjoy Tex-Mex food, could Chulula hot sauce be the cause?

[tejano]

Adult Anencephaly is probably the cause in my case. I forgot I that I also have a marlin cowboy 32-20 and a Contender carbine in 32 mag. Then there is 32-40 around somewhere in a safe.

[Outpost75]

Wish we were closer. Bet we could have a fun range trip!

[tejano]

Yep. Going to the range on Friday. 32's scheduled to bat are the S&W 16-4, S&W 31, and Beretta 81fs,

[LIMPINGJ]

I have been shooting factory ammo in my 1903 and enjoy it so have decided to load for it. Brass is ordered from Starline and an Accurate 31-090B mold is ordered. I still need to order dies, do y'all like one brand above another for loading the 32? I have noticed my slide does not lock back after the last shot. Any ideas on what to look into to correct this? Thanks.

[Outpost75]

I have been shooting factory ammo in my 1903 and enjoy it so have decided to load for it. Brass is ordered from Starline and an Accurate 31-090B mold is ordered. I still need to order dies, do y'all like one brand above another for loading the 32? I have noticed my slide does not lock back after the last shot. Any ideas on what to look into to correct this? Thanks.

I like RCBS dies for the .32 ACP.

Slide on the M1903 pocket hammerless does not lock back after last shot like an M1911.

Discussion here: http://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/to-lock-or-not-to-lock-colt-pocket-hammerless.540822/

[LIMPINGJ]

Thanks Outpost75. Another question about this one is when I do lock the slide back it seems to be very easy, I mean just a slight touch of the slide release will release the slide. What should I check? Thanks again.

[Outpost75]

Slide lock or notch in the slide might be worn. Very common if gun saw much use.

Examine slide notch for peening, slide lock for wear. Always work on the cheapest part first!

Old lawman I got my pistol from said that he was taught by Applegate at Camp Ritchie, MD [near where Camp David is now] to carry pistol with hammer cocked, chamber empty, safety off, [these days called Israeli Carry] and to flip the slide with the weak hand to chamber a round as the pistol was drawn from an inside pocket and brought up to eye level, then weapon-silhouette point-shoot, triple tap as you lined up on the threat. Shoot and scoot. http://shilohtv.com/?p=2720

This was OSS training WW2, detailed syllabus in the book Bullseyes Don't Shoot Back. https://www.amazon.com/Bullseyes-Dont-Shoot-Back-Complete/dp/0873649575

Also good read https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0873649982/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Also the way I was taught, Quantico, early 1970s with M1911, except double-tap with .45 works.

[tejano]

Oh noooo! Tomorrow or Monday my .32 family will expand again. A Seecamp LW 32 is coming in as the baby of the family.

[charlie b]

I love my 1903. Also got a new barrel for it from Numrich. The original had a bulge in it that kept getting worse.

Put better sights on it several years go. Not a value thing as it had been refinished before I bought it.

Great little pistol and the wife's favorite pistol.

[tejano]

Barrel arrived, but did not turn out to be a drop in affair. I took measurements to compare to the stock barrel and noted that it was oversize in two places. I was not too surprised. The gunsmith at my LGS has it to do the fitting. Expect it back by the end of next week.

[Outpost75]

Appreciate the info. I don't think I will be ordering one. My beat-up 1920 DOM Type III Colt with "dark, but strong" rifling shoots OK.180098

[tejano]

I often fail to behave rationally when it comes to .32's.

[Outpost75]

I understand the affliction, it is mitigated by rapt meditation fueled by the distilled, aged, malt beverage of my Celtic ancestors.

[charlie b]

Barrel arrived, but did not turn out to be a drop in affair. I took measurements to compare to the stock barrel and noted that it was oversize in two places. I was not too surprised. The gunsmith at my LGS has it to do the fitting. Expect it back by the end of next week.

Mine was the same. Took a few sessions with blacking and a fine stone to get it to fit well. Shoots as well as the original now.

Will take it out and shoot again tomorrow.

[tejano]

Good to know, Charlie. Thanks.