How did this handgun get so popular?

In this podcast, I talk with Jake Nyman from U.S. Armament Corp. about its classic firearm project. It’s manufacturing a replica of a Colt Licensed 1903 “General Officer’s Pistol” that was issued to generals in World War II. It’s sure to be a hit among collectors and shooters alike.

“We’re always looking for the next odd piece that you wouldn’t normally see on the firearms market,” Nyman said.

How did the handgun get so popular?

The Colt 1903 "General Officer's Pistol."

The Colt 1903 “General Officer’s Pistol.” (Courtesy of U.S. Armament Corp.)

“We built the first couple runs of them, took it to Shot Show, didn’t really display it,” Nyman said.

When they showed a few individuals at the show, though, “it just caught on wildfire,” Nyman said. People began posting pictures online. “So far I haven’t spent a dime on marketing.”

The company is still in the process of refining the gun: “Tolerances weren’t quite right. They were working fine, but now we’re really tightening it up.”

It plans to build a limited number of the guns — 3,500.

You’ll be able to buy directly from a limited number of distributors. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $1,395.

Whereas the company’s replica 1877 “Bulldog” Gatling gun is, as Nyman said, probably “the world’s most expensive commercially offered gun,” the Colt will be more accessible to a wider number of people.

Weerd Beard also discusses his choice of holster. Do you have one you prefer? Let us know in the comments.

If you want more information about the Colt, below is a video explaining more.

And don’t forget to listen to the podcast by clicking here.

Ryan Michad

About Ryan Michad

Ryan Michad is host of the Firearms Radio Network’s Handgun Radio. He started shooting revolvers around age 10 with a Smith & Wesson Model 66 and hasn’t looked back since. His interests include historical firearms, revolvers, semi-automatic handguns & unusual firearms designs. He's a recent graduate of the University of Maine and is always striving to keep an open mind, learn something new & hopefully pass that knowledge on to someone else. He resides in Waterville.