Gun collectors would commonly refer to these as "safe queens" because they would spend most of their time in the safe. You wouldn't fire these guns or routinely carry them. These were the last guns that I owned that stayed in the safe all of the time.
The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a .380 variant of the 1903 .32 caliber gun introduced five years earlier. This was the gun that introduced the .380 ACP pistol cartridge (designed by John Browning), still popular more than 100 years later. ACP is an acronym for Automatic Colt Pistol. The .380 ACP is also known as the 9mm Short. The name "Pocket Hammerless" is misleading in that the gun is not truly hammerless, but features a concealed hammer to prevent snagging on clothing.
The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless, despite its name, actually does have a hammer. It's just hidden within the rear of the slide. This feature was innovative for its time, contributing to a sleeker, snag-free profile, which was ideal for concealed carry. The pistol was widely used and highly regarded for its reliability and compact design, making it a preferred choice for personal defense and as a backup firearm for law enforcement officers during the early 20th century.
The .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) caliber, also known as the 9mm Browning, has an interesting history. It was developed by John Browning and introduced in 1908 alongside the Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless pistol. Here's a brief overview of its history.
Early Development (1908)John Browning developed the .380 ACP cartridge for Colt's Manufacturing Company. Designed for blowback pistols, which are simpler and cheaper to produce than locked-breech designs. The .380 ACP was suitable for smaller-sized handguns intended for self-defense. The .380 ACP gained popularity in Europe, where it was known as the 9mm Short, 9mm Kurz, or 9x17mm.
Various military and law enforcement agencies adopted pistols chambered in .380 ACP, valuing its compact size for concealed carry or as a backup weapon. Adoption and Usage (Early-Mid 20th Century)The .380 ACP was used in several military pistols and submachine guns during World War II. Post-war, the .380 ACP became popular in civilian markets for self-defense due to its manageable recoil and compact dimensions.
Late 20th Century to PresentThe .380 outlasted the pocket hammerless pistol with technological advances. Improvements in ammunition technology enhanced the effectiveness of the .380 ACP, making it a viable option for self-defense. The rise in concealed carry permits in the United States led to increased popularity of compact and lightweight .380 ACP pistols. Numerous modern firearms manufacturers produce .380 ACP models, emphasizing ease of carry and concealment.
My MOS when I served in the United States Army was 76Y. For you non-military readers, the Military Occupational Specialty of 76 Yankee means that I was a Unit Armorer. While on REFORGER 85, I trained with German Paratroopers and qualified as "Expert" with the German G-3 rifle, the Israeli Uzi 9mm sub-machinegun and the 9mm handgun.