Colt Woodsman 1st Series Sport Model .22 LR 4.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1938 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025.01
LSB#: 210930TP11
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Sport Model, 1st Series
Serial Number: 125150
Year of Manufacture: 1938 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT” and “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” followed by a rampant colt. The left side of the frame is marked “THE WOODSMAN”. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D DEC. 22. 1903. AUG. 27. 1918. SEPT. 3 1918. ”. The front strap is marked “125150”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “X” and with a “VP” in a triangle proof. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “30”. The interior of the slide is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch sight dovetailed into the slide, it is adjustable for elevation
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut. There are a few light marks on the bottom faces from loading. There are a couple of tiny marks to the checkers but it is mostly sharp. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is thinning on some of the edges. There are some scattered little nicks and small hairline scratches, the most noticeable are on the trigger guard, left side of the barrel, and on the slide. There are a couple freckles of faint frost on the backstrap. There is some standard operational wear and light handling marks. There is a ding on the muzzle. There are a few light marks on the top of the front sight. The grip screw is sharp and the frame and barrel markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 with one 10 round magazine.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Sport Model pistol with a 4 1/2” barrel and checkered walnut grips. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip, 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 – We guess they were going to keep changing it until they got it right). 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. The Woodsman stayed in production until 1977. Sportsmen favored the 4 ½” Sport Model but there were also other models for target shooting. The pistol is in about Very Good-Fine overall condition with about 90% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with strong rifling and no erosion. The early 1st Series Models are very collectible and we would expect this one to be no different. The fit and finish on these pistols is better than on guns made today, enhancing their collectability. Please see our photos and good luck!