Rare Colt Camp Perry Model 8″ .22 LR Single Shot Target Pistol, MFD 1931 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,525

LSB#: 191206TA04

Make: Colt

Model: Camp Perry

Serial Number: 1931

Year of Manufacture: 1931 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Rotating Breech, Rimfire Pistol

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED JULY 4,1905. OCT.5,1926.”, the left “CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE”. The left of the breech block is marked “CAMP PERRY MODEL” between the flutes. The sideplate has a rampant colt logo. The left-front of the trigger guard has “VP” in triangle, the left-rear “3”. The inside of the crane, the left of the grip frame under the grip and the inside of each grip panel are marked “1796”.

Barrel Length: 8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the topstrap, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The backstrap is checkered for additional grip. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The ejector rod and rear face of the breech block have light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The barrel locks up with no play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a March, 1964 issue of Guns & Ammo Magazine with a cover photo showing a Colt Camp Perry. The magazines has scattered light wear, slight discoloration from age, a few minor tears and some of the middle pages have pulled free of the staples at the spine. Overall, the magazine is in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: The Colt Camp Perry is one of the most rare Colt cartridge pistols, with only 2,488 produced in all. With the barrel fixed in the breech block, the design is inherently more accurate than contemporary revolvers or autoloaders, but still has the same form-factor as a Colt Officer’s model, though it is more slim due to the lack of a cylinder or recoil shield. Despite the quality of the design and, according to a 1929 catalog listing: “having won every official match for .22 caliber single-shot pistols in which it has been entered, including the N.R.A. .22 Cal Slow-Fire Pistol Match, the U.S.R.A. 50-yard Pistol Championship and the 50-meter-International Pistol Match”, interest in the pistol was limited, and the model was finally discontinued in 1941 after 20 years of production. This example is an 8″ model from 1931, and it is in Excellent condition. It retains about 98% of its metal finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. This is a great example of the Colt Camp Perry and even comes with a 1964 vintage Guns & Ammo magazine with another Camp Perry on the cover, great for a display. Please see our photos and good luck!