Colt Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol 1975 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1600
LSB#: 211003BB23
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series
Serial Number: 087636S
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (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 of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “087636S” over the trigger. The right of the trigger guard is marked “5”, the left is marked “3” and “VP” in triangle.
Barrel Length: 6?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is an Elliason square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the rear of the slide.
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 minor handling wear with a few light nicks and scuffs. The right panel has more notable scuffing at the top and bottom edges where there is also some discoloration. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are infrequent spots of very minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges, most notable at the leading edges of the barrel. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, mostly on the barrel and the trigger guard. There are infrequent spots of faint surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine 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 with a single 10-round magazine, marked “COLT CAL. 22 L.R.”. The magazine has minor wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target pistol, made in 1975. It has a 6? fluted slab-side barrel with full-length lug, 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 6? barrel with adjustable sights was more popular with target shooters and the Match Target was the top of the line. The pistol is in Fine overall condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining. The finish is generally strong throughout with wear consistent with responsible use. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling and a couple of spots of very minor erosion. Standard production 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 boutique examples 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. Whether you’re looking for a shooter or an addition to a collection, this is a nice pony to add to any stable. Please see our photos and good luck!