Colt 1903 .32 Barrel identification help

[dandrews64]

Hi Calguns - I need a little help please.

I have a Colt 1903 .32 hammerless that needs a new barrel as I am getting bulging of the spent shell casings.

Everything I find online for a barrel - actual parts and spec sheets looks like this, with the barrel "keeper" as part of the barrel.
barrel resized.jpg
But mine looks like this, with a separate barrel keeper piece.
DSC02227 resized.jpg

muzzel resized.jpg

Appreciate any insights to find a replacement barrel for this gun.
pistol 1 resized.jpg

pistol 2 resized.jpg


Thanks!

[redcliff]

Looks like you have an early variant, type I or II with a seperate barrel bushing.

Type 1 had a 4" barrel, seperate barrel bushing, no mag safety, Serieal number 1-71,999. This appears to be what you have based upon the picture with the ruler.

Type II had a 3 3/4 " barrel, seperate barrel bushing, SN 72,000-105,050 produced 1908-1910.

Later variants had integral barrel bushings and 3 3/4" barrels.

[dandrews64]

Thanks Redcliff!

It is Type I as the serial number is 32,xxx.

Now to find a barrel...... any ideas?


And I don't suppose the Type II slide and barrel could be swapped onto my gun?


Thanks again !

[redcliff]

Have you had the chamber checked by a gunsmith to verify that the problem is an over-sized chamber?

As for your other questions, while it may very well be possible to put a later model slide/barrel/recoil assembly on your pistol, a definitive answer is beyond my knowledge. You should probably join one of the Colt collector forums and post your pictures and questions there, I'm sure you'd find someone familiar with your pistol. http://www.coltforum.com/forums/forum.php