Colt Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: 190910AR72
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series
Serial Number: 041733S
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF Curio & Relic List, “Colt, Woodsman, cal. .22, semiautomatic pistols, all models, all series, all S/Ns, (to include Match Target, Challenger, Huntsmen, and Targetsman), made prior to 1978.”
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE”. The left side of the frame is marked with a rampant colt over “MATCH TARGET” between the slide and barrel. The left barrel flat is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “041733S” over the trigger. The right of the trigger guard is marked “Z”, the left is marked “7” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2″ Fluted Slab-Side
Sights / Optics: This pistol is mounted with a flat topped square notch Elliason rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation and pinned to the slide. The front sight is a Patridge style blade that is pinned into a serrated, ramped base fixed to the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with thumb rest on the left panel as for a right-handed shooter. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are undamaged. Serrations are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide locks back on an empty magazine. The manual safety can be used to lock the slide forward. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a cardboard box with wax paper and a total of seven 10-round magazines. Each magazine is marked “COLT CAL. 22 L.R.”. Six magazines have no notable wear or damage, intact feed lips, and strong springs, in Excellent condition. One magazine has the “COLT” marked very faintly and shows light wear from the magazine latch with intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine-plus condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target Model pistol, made in 1973. It has a fluted slab-side barrel, adjustable sights and a claw magazine release characteristic of the 1st and 3rd Series (The Colt Woodsman pistols changed the location of the magazine release from the butt to the left side of the frame and then back to the butt for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Series, respectively). John M. Browning designed “Colt’s Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22”, later to become the Woodsman, with the design refined slightly by Colt employees George Tansley and F.C. Chadwick before it was released in 1915 and the Woodsman stayed in production until 1977. Sportsmen favored the 4 ½” Sport Model, but the Match Target was the top of the line and a favorite of bullseye target competitors. The pistol is in Excellent overall condition with about 99% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. Target pistols of this quality are no longer made in the United States and will command a premium over most “new” currently manufactured pistols except those used for high-end competition. If you are looking for a rimfire target pistol, this is still a better choice than most “NEW” pistols on the market today, but as with with most Colts, they are now quite collectible. This 3rd Series with correct grips and original finish is sure to attract the Colt collectors, especially in its high condition. That said, with seven magazines included it is also ready to hit the range and punch some paper or ring some steel. Please see our photos and good luck!