Colt ~ Woodsman Match Target ~ .22 LR
Description:
Renowned as one of the most iconic and accurate .22 target pistols ever designed, the Colt Woodsman remains to be an extremely collectible piece for enthusiasts. Introduced in 1915, the Colt Woodsman is yet another brainchild of the famed John Moses Browning. The pistol did eventually have three distinct iterations of the frame as well as three different trims in each: a Target, Sport, and Match Target model for each series. At its release, the pistol was simply called the "Colt Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22 Target Model." The "Woodsman" moniker would not be applied until 1927. The Target model featured a 6" barrel with adjustable front and rear sights and was considered the base model of the pistol. The Sport had a shortened 4 ½" barrel with fixed front sights that were later replaced by adjustable sights again. Finally, the Match Target had a large wraparound grip and a heavy-profile barrel. The pistol was often called a "Bullseye Match Target" due to its bullseye rollmark on the pistol slide. The pistol's production was put on hold with the United States' entry to World War II—understandably. However, 4000 Match Target pistols were reportedly delivered to the US Government at the later part of the war—likely to be used as training aids or for use with marksmanship teams—a patten which would be repeated again post-war with more issued to the USMC, USAF, and USCG; Marine and Coast Guard pistols were largely destroyed and scrapped, while Air Force pistols were sold off through the surplus CMP program. In 1948, the Woodsman was resumed and the pistol now had redesigned controls more in line with what common pistol controls are today, with a magazine release behind the trigger guard, automatic slide stop, and a magazine disconnect safety. A cheaper Challenger model was also introduced with fixed sights and heel-mounted magazine release. The third and final iteration of the Colt Woodsman was introduced in 1955, with the magazine release moved back to the heel of the magazine again, differing markings, new grips, and redesigned sights. Also, yet another model—the Huntsman—was brought about at a lower price, again with fixed sights and black plastic grip panels. The Colt Woodsman is notable for its impressive accuracy, even when put up against modern contemporaries such as the ever-popular Ruger Mark series and the customizable Volquartsens. And yet, the Woodsman was one of the first target-style .22 pistols with great commercial success. This Woodsman is a Match Target model with adjustable Eliason rear target sight and pinned Patridge front sight with serrated ramp. The trigger is smooth with a wide curved profile. The gun has serrated front and back straps and wears a set of right-handed gloss checkered wood grips. The pistol has a manual safety and slide release lever, unlike some other target pistol designs. This piece in particular is an excellent buy for a Colt or rimfire collector and can be dated to 1969. The rifling is in excellent condition and there is no rust or pitting on the inside of the barrel. However, there is significant finish wear near the muzzle and a couple finish scratches on the side of the barrel. The magazine basepad has been damaged, and the wood grips show wear on the edges of raised parts. This Colt Woodsman Match Target is sold with a soft Mega Sports nylon pistol case and one 10-round magazine. .22 Long Rifle
Chambers:
.22 LR (.22 Long Rifle)
Metal Condition:
"Good, with some loss of blue finish
Wood Condition:
"Good, with some finish wear, no cracks
Bore Condition:
Clean and bright
Barrels:
6" barrel
Triggers:
Crisp
Weight:
2 lbs 4 oz
Sights:
Adjustable Eliason rear target sight with pinned Patridge front sight with serrated ramp
Item Location:
Kearney, NE
Price:
$799.99