New guy with .380 hammerless

[self_built]

I found this forum in search of some info on my .380 hammerless Colt. Serial #58071. This gun was given to me when I turned 18 from my Grandmother because my Grandfather passed before I was born. I shoot it regularly, and even though the front sight is gone, it shoots really nice. It actually fits the bill for me in style and comfort.




I'm in search of general info for this gun, and places to buy parts. I also would like to know what needs to be done in order to get it looking like a nice gun again. Obviously age has taken it toll on her, but I would like to get it looking as good as it shoots. Thank you for your time looking at this.

[egg collector]

Welcome, try this site.
Colt Automatic Pistol and Revolver Information - 14 years of Service to Colt Firearms Collectors

[oneeyedbutcher]

i love it!

[broknaxl]

You can check out GunBroker and Ebay for new or better grip panels. There are places that make replicas of the originals. As far as the finish goes, that would depend on how far and how much you want to spend.

[JudgeColt]

First you say: "It actually fits the bill for me in style." Then you say: " I also would like to know what needs to be done in order to get it looking like a nice gun again." Those two statements seem incompatable to me.

Do you want to leave it as it was when your grandfather used it, or do you want to spend considerable money to refinish it, and destroy its originality forever? A quality restoration by someone like Turnbull will cost several thousand dollars, and will not be worth what you will have spent on it. A "bubba" reblue will cost a few hundred, will not add any value to collectors, and will probably look like a cheap reblue with rounded edges, etc..

You will do more honor to your grandfather's gun to leave it as he left it, except for perhaps replacing the broken stock panel. Buy a nicer original if you must have a "pretty" one.

[oberon]

That thing needs to be left in the condition it is in. You can find original grip panels if you look around. That thing is chock full of character; design, history, mystique: you get the idea. Keep gramp's gun the way it is. It is a good gun just the way you got it.

[twaits]

You can buy reproduction grips for it here:

Colt Model 1903 Pocket Type III Grips (.32 & .380 Cal)

They aren't a lot of money and they are pretty decent quality. I've got two pairs of them on a couple of my revolvers. They may take a little bit of hand fitting.
Where this gun is so worn looking I wouldn't spend the money to buy original grips.

[Previs]

The front sight, good luck finding one for it. Those things are rare I had to find mine after I shot it when I got it home from the gun show. I found the sight with a magnet. Then sold the gun too cheap though...



heres mine and the other one I was talking about was refinished I sold. This one is a keeper it has original finish still looking for a good condition original plastic grip for the right side however.

[oneeyedbutcher]

i have a gun that looks alot like this. it has a parerized finish,cal 380, it says HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS AKTIEBOLAG on the side it has a holster with 2 clips. is it a colt? or?

[swamprat]

i have a gun that looks alot like this. it has a parerized finish,cal 380, it says HUSQVARNA VAPENFABRIKS AKTIEBOLAG on the side it has a holster with 2 clips. is it a colt? or?

It's not a Colt, it's a Husqvarna, made in Sweden!