Colt Woodsman Match Target 1st Series .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol 1941 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3525
LSB#: 230720JK005
Make: Colt
Model: The Woodsman, Match Target
Serial Number: MT11613
Year of Manufacture: 1941 (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” and with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked “THE WOODSMAN” and the left barrel flat is marked “MATCH / TARGET” with a large bullseye in the center. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT. DES. 110,887”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with “T” and a “VP” inside a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “25” and the bottom of the grip frame to the left of the magazine well is marked “MT11613”. The bottom of the slide is marked “11613”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2? Heavy Barrel, Tapered Slab-Side
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a flat topped square notch adjustable for windage and elevation, dovetailed into the slide. The front sight is a blade that is pinned into a slotted base fixed to the top of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece “Elephant Ear” checkered walnut that wraps around the front strap and has “ears” which extend below the bottom of the grip frame on each side. There are silver-colored Rampant Colt medallions at the tops of the grip on each side. The grip has a few light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable compression at the bottom of the left “ear”. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grip is in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly at the leading edges of the barrel. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and scratches. There is some light wear on the frame from the grip, concealed when assembled. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide does not lock back on an empty magazine but the manual safety can be used to lock the slide back for cleaning. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes with a total fo four 10-round magazines. One magazine has Woodsman Match Target markings, the other three are marked “CAL. 22 / COLT” with two different marking sizes.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Match Target “Bullseye” Model pistol, made in the second year this model was produced, 1941. It has a slab-sided barrel that tapers towards the muzzle, adjustable sights and a heel magazine release characteristic of the 1st 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 the Match Target was the top of the line and a favorite of bullseye target competitors.
The pistol is in Fine overall condition with about 95% 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 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. Since this is one of the more scarce pre-WWII models, the Colt collectors will also be interested in this piece. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
