Early Colt Camp Perry Model 10″ .22 LR Single Shot Target Pistol, 1927 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2898
LSB#: 230525DH007
Make: Colt
Model: Camp Perry
Serial Number: 303
Year of Manufacture: 1927 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Rotating Breech, Rimfire Pistol
Barrel Length: 10”
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 grips have a few light nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered spots of light surface oxidation. There are a few other minor marks and infrequent minor edge-thinning. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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: None.
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 earlier 10” model produced in 1927. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition showing some minor surface oxidation, but retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to a Colt collection and should still serve as a fine quality target pistol, today. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
