question about old colt pistol

[mini14.223]

hi, i have an old colt pistol i believe it is a 1903 hammerless pocket pistol. it is a .32. i want to be sure that is what it really is. on the slide it says patented apr.20 1897 dec 22 1903. i would also like to know how tho break it down to clean it. i have been told to pull the slide back and lock the safety and then twist the barrel but that doesnt work. thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[VHinch]

Remove magazine.

Verify weapon is unloaded.

Press in grip safety and draw back the slide, cocking the weapon.

Draw back the slide until the perpendicular line on the slide lines up with the front edge of the frame.

Turn the barrel to the left as far as it will go.

The slide and barrel can now be removed.

Cheers.

 

[mini14.223]

thanks for the help i always wondered what that line was for. duh.

 

[mini14.223]

anyone know anything about my question on the patent

 

[VHinch]

What was the question on the patent? If you're asking if those are the correct markings for a 1903 Pocket Hammerless, then yes, they are.

 

[mini14.223]

thanks

 

[ulflyer]

List the serial nr, minus last one or two, and someone will give you approx date it was made.

 

[Bluemoon]

Link to COLT Pocket Hammerless Manual

The COLT manual for this pistol is on this site. I believe it's the 10th one down.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/manuals.asp