Colt Automatic Caliber .25 ACP Like Junior Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1033.89
LSB#: 211202CP01
Make: Colt, made by Firearms International
Model: Automatic Caliber 25 (Junior)
Serial Number: OD12839
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .25 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” with a rampant colt logo, the right is marked with the rampant colt logo and “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .25”. The right of the frame is marked “OD12839”, the bottom of the slide is marked “839” stamped over “211”. The right of the frame, under the grip panel, is stamped “F.I.C.”. The magazine floorplate is marked “CAL. .25 / COLT”. The butt of the frame is marked “S” behind the magazine well.
Barrel Length: 2 1/4″
Sights / Optics: There is a serrated, solid rib down the top of the slide. The front sight is a short blade and the rear sight is a shallow square notch, both integral to the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered wood with silver Rampant Colt medallions. The grips show light wear in the checkering, which is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Slide & Nickel Frame w/ Gold Toned Controls
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is shallow yet well defined. There is some faint erosion sparsely scattered.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The frame has a few scattered minor nicks and scuffs, mostly in the grip straps, along with some frost on the back strap. The action shows light operational wear. There is some light thinning around the front of the slide with a small spot of finish loss on the left side. The safety has thinned edges. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a frame-mounted safety that can also be used to lock the slide back, it also features a magazine disconnect safety. The hammer has a half cock safety position. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt Junior box with matching label, display card, manual, and a single 6-round magazine. The box has light storage wear, mostly at edges and on the bottom of the tray. The magazine has light operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: Colt’s original .25 ACP vest-pocket, the 1908, was very popular in its day, but Colt felt it needed an update as production returned to normal following WWII. Colt had restarted production of the 1908 after WWII but due to the market being flooded with affordable European options it did not sell well. They then developed the Colt Junior, but due to expensive manufacturing costs, they had Astra Unceta y Cia manufacture them in Spain. About 40,000 were produced in Spain from 1958 to 1968 when they were banned from import due to the GCA. Following this new legislation, production was moved to Firearms International in Washington D.C. and re-named the Automatic Caliber .25. This example is in very nice condition appearing to have been well kept. It will be an interesting addition to your collection without taking up much room and should be a very fun shooter too. Please see our photos and good luck!