my dad is working on a 1903 Colt in 32acp. We would like to convert to .380. i believe you can get .380 barrel and use it.

anyone have a source for the barrel and more info?

I'd make sure that .380 magazine will go into the .32 frame before you get carried away with the project.

Yep.  I ran across one that was converted years ago, and was a drop in conversion.  it shot well, couldn't tell it wasn't originally a 380 except for the 32 ACP marking on the slide.

I've seen a few others for sale, and having shot one that functioned fine, I assumed (and we know where that gets you) that it would be the case for all of them.

I just nosed around in response to your PM, and while sometimes it apparently is that easy, sometimes it is not.

It appears that SOME were pretty much drop-in, and some required fitting, specifically the 32 mag well accepting the 380 magazine.  If you get a 32 with larger (still in spec) magwell and a 380 mag that is on the smaller side (still within spec) it can be a drop in conversion.  

Given the walnut grips your 1903 is a later model.  What is the serial # range?  Coltautos is a good resource for old colts.

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-236567.html

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/colt-semiauto-pistols/20518-colt-1903-pocket-hammerless.html

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68720

380 barrel here if you decide to give it a go.  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-1908-380-barrel-part-Factory-Colt-380-Acp-parts-/331944383876?hash=item4d496d5584:g:nEUAAOSwU-pXtdkA

Original mags are $$$, but if you're patient they pop up from time to time.  I got some original colt military/ parkarized mags (1908 was issued to officers in WW2) for $35 each a couple years ago.  Aftermarkets are available, but make sure the seller has a good return policy if you get some taht don't work.

http://www.coltforum.com/forums/colt-semiauto-pistols/98486-colt-1908-380-magazines.html

The 32 versions are a pleasure to shoot.  I like them better than the 1908 (same gun in 380).

Buy one of each.  Problem solved, no fitting required.

Go over to the Colt forum. Semi auto sub forum. You'll find all the contacts and info you need. I recently bought a .380 barrel from "In lead we trust" for a 1908, and found the contact there.

Well I finally shot a box of ammo thru the gun. Even tho the barrel looks horrible I was getting good hots on steel at 30 and even 50 yards. I think we will just keep this barrel