Colt 1908

[Waingro]

I wanted to buy a mouse gun and I have been looking around, my friend saw a Colt 1908 .25 for $390 with wood grips.

My other choices are:

NAA .22LR revolver (~%200)
Beretta Bobcat (or is it Tomcat) .32 (~$450)
Seecamp LWS .32 (~$600)

The NAA seems illogical to me, the Beretta is OK I guess, the Seecamp is way too expensive.

I do plan on using this gun for self defense as well, a tuxedo gun as many of you call it - so I am really limited in options and caliber.

I really like the Colt 1908 - it is in good condition with wood grips and is pretty inexpensive. What do you guys say? (Friend just told me that the serial number was 397616 - can anyone pull up any info with that?)

[Cali-V]

397616 was built in or around 1933... I have a hammerless in .380 and like it lots...
I like the seecamp but can't hit poo pass 10 yards....
If you ever get a chance take a look a Armi-Galesi... It's a nice small caliber vest pocket gun, and under $200.00

Let me know if you don't buy the Colt

[toweshot]

"I have a hammerless in .308 and like it lots..."


What's the kick like on that sucker?

TS

[Cali-V]

"I have a hammerless in .308 and like it lots..."


What's the kick like on that sucker?

TS

That would be one hell of a kick...

thanks made the correction...

[Waingro]

I looks like this but in better condition, same grips:



They come in a 380?

[Waingro]

looks just like that. are those reliable??? what is the verdict?

[dfletcher]

I wanted to buy a mouse gun and I have been looking around, my friend saw a Colt 1908 .25 for $390 with wood grips.

My other choices are:

NAA .22LR revolver (~%200)
Beretta Bobcat (or is it Tomcat) .32 (~$450)
Seecamp LWS .32 (~$600)

The NAA seems illogical to me, the Beretta is OK I guess, the Seecamp is way too expensive.

I do plan on using this gun for self defense as well, a tuxedo gun as many of you call it - so I am really limited in options and caliber.

I really like the Colt 1908 - it is in good condition with wood grips and is pretty inexpensive. What do you guys say? (Friend just told me that the serial number was 397616 - can anyone pull up any info with that?)

If you can find an NAA Guardian in 32 ACP it might fit the bill. I found one at River City for $349.00, Contra Costa Collectibles has one for a bit more.

[homerm14]

I love my seecamp. If you look around you can find one in the $350 to $450 range.

[Waingro]

But this is a Colt - given it is a very small caliber - it is better then that .22LR revolver thing by NAA and it seems to be made with quality. I know it is old and all but .25 should be enough at close range to defend my self. I held the Seecamp and it felt cheap to me, so did the Beretta.

Not to sound silly, but the Colt did look much better as well, it almost looked like a mini-1911.

But my question remains: Would you feel comfortable carrying that as a self defense gun if you were limited to that size? Is it reliable? I know .25 is the smallest modern centerfire round, but how bad is it?

[Scout106]

I really like my little Beretta in .22lLR. Very safe with its' tip-up bbl. and safety is a real issue with these "vest pocket" handguns. Owned a new Colt 37 years ago but figured it was only a matter of time before an AD. Sold it and the guy had an AD through the top of his boat within 6 months. Also, lots of good and cheap .22LR ammo available. Nobody wants to fight with a face full of Stingers at 6 feet.

[homerm14]

But this is a Colt - given it is a very small caliber - it is better then that .22LR revolver thing by NAA and it seems to be made with quality. I know it is old and all but .25 should be enough at close range to defend my self. I held the Seecamp and it felt cheap to me, so did the Beretta.

Not to sound silly, but the Colt did look much better as well, it almost looked like a mini-1911.

But my question remains: Would you feel comfortable carrying that as a self defense gun if you were limited to that size? Is it reliable? I know .25 is the smallest modern centerfire round, but how bad is it?

Would I feel comfortable? No
With ball ammo fairly reliable.
.25 is about the same as .22lr ballistically.

[saki302]

The NAA is truly a backup to a backup to a backup gun. It's the smallest thing on the market and also one of the more difficult guns to use. I have a few, and they are fun to shoot, but a pain to reload. As to reliability- mine have gone bang every time I pulled the trigger. And it's a sure conversation starter in the smallest sizes!

If you are really going to use it for defense, I would recommend going to the largest caliber you can find. A Kel-tec in .380 is not a work of art, but packs a lot of punch in a small package, if you can find one. A PF-9 is smaller than the .380 colt, and packs a 9mm punch.

If you want something with collectible value, go for the old Colt.

Here's clearing up some confusion:

There are TWO Colt 1908 models! One is the little .25 ACP. The other is a Colt 1903 in .380 caliber, which is also called a 1908. It is substantially larger- think PPK sized, without all the protrusions.

A few other neat yet oddball choices- Bayard in .380 (this is a tiny gun for .380, especially considering they're nearing 100 years old), Dreyse in .25ACP (built like a chinese puzzle box), Haenel Schmeisser in 25 ACP (Also a little work of art).
IF you can find one, a Colt Mustang Pocketlite is not much larger than your choices, and about the same weight- in .380 caliber. And recoil is MILD! (recoil operated, not blowback).

If I had to pick from an easily available source, the Seecamp .32 is one of the better choices for defense. Marginal power still, but better than a .22/25.

-Dave

[jazman]

I have a Beretta Tomcat .32, it's very reliable and very accurate for a small gun. It was designed and built for the Winchester Silvertip .32 ammo, MUCH more of a stopper than .25 or .22, which I consider the same. Sounds like you like the Colt more due to looks and cachet, if so grab it...but in my opinion the Beretta would be a better and more reliable shooter for you. I like the Seecamp, my son has one, but it's not as reliable as the Beretta, along with a long waiting list to get one; good luck finding one used for less than a new one.

[Mac Attack]

I own a Colt 1908 (aka 1903) in 380 and think it is a fine handgun from an era were hand fitting and percision were paramont. Little known fact, you can shoot 32 ACP out of a 08 by swapping out the 380 barrel with a 32 ACP barrel from a Colt 1903. I was told this would not work but decided to try it anyways and am glad I did because now I can shoot both calibers. Also, a 32 ACP can use the 380 mag.

My 08 is pretty accurate and easy to conceal but does have a snappier recoil than it does with it's 32 barrel. However I do not see how they can call it a pocketgun because it is very large to fit in the avg pocket. I had a hard time finding a quality IWB holster for my 08. I contacted several holster makers and none made holsters specifically for an 08. I ended up having one custom made and it is really nice and a dream to carry.

What is the overal condition of the 08? Is the finish and magazine original? The mag should be two-tone. IMHO a 08 is a great historic gun but it does not compare to modern handguns. Also parts availability is difficult at best to find replacement parts.

[Waingro]

how much does a Colt Mustang Pocketlite go for?