King Custom Colt Woodsman 1st Series .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1938 C&R, Super Target Rib, Weight, Reflector Ramp, Roper Grips…
SOLD FOR: $5,011
LSB#: 200527GB07
Make: Colt, Customized by King
Model: Woodsman 1st Series, “Colt-King Super Target”
Serial Number: 125990
Year of Manufacture: 1938 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (the serrated backstrap indicates that high velocity ammunition may be used in this pistol)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable 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”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “X” and with “VP” in a triangle, the right of the trigger guard is marked “30”. The front strap is marked “125990”, marked again on the bottom of the slide. The left of the rib is marked “COLT-KING SUPER TARGET”, the left of the rear sight is marked “KING / PAT. PEND.”. The right of the rib is marked “PAT. / 8.23.38”, the right of the front sight is marked “KING / PAT. PEND.”. The cap of the barrel weight assembly is marked “KING / PAT. PEND.”.
Barrel Length: 6 5/8″, vent-rib with King adjustable barrel weight assembly mounted underneath.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a King reflector ramp sight with red bead pinned to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a King square-notch sight adjustable for windage and elevation in a base slotted and screw-secured to the top of the slide. The rear of the notch has an outline groove, but it is not painted. The top of the rear sight base and vent-rib are each serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Roper target grips. The grips enclose the bottom of the grip frame with a beveled opening around the magazine well, serrated thumb-shelf on the left panel (for right-handed shooter), and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. The grips have a few scattered light compressions and scuffs with a small chip-loss at the bottom edge of the right panel toward the front. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to leaving King. The quality of the finish makes us believe it is original to Colt, but the work done by King may have required them to refinish it after customization.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel has a few scattered light marks, the most notable at the muzzle on the right. The barrel weight assembly has some minor nicks and light scratches with light finish wear on the mounting lug. The frame has handling wear at the top of the grip straps, light wear from the grips which is concealed when they are installed, and a few other minor marks. The slide has some spots of minor surface oxidation on the top to each side of the rear sight base and a few other minor marks. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide is not designed to lock back on an empty magazine but the safety can be used to hold the slide open for cleaning. In addition to the sights, rib and barrel weight system, the triger has been tuned and an adjustable trigger-stop installed. 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: We have contacted Colt, confirmed that this pistol was originally shipped to King’s in 1938 and have ordered a Colt Historian Letter for this pistol. Due to recent events, Colt is taking longer than usual to process Historian Letter orders. If the letter comes in before the auction closes, photos of the letter will be added. If the letter comes in after the auction closes, it will be mailed to the winning bidder. This pistol comes in a custom presentation case with dark brown hard body, etched glass window in the lid, black velvet lined french-fit interior and black and brass etched plate. The etching on the lid has “COLT KING” superimposed over a crown with fleur de lis motif. The plate is marked “COLT-KING SUPER TARGET / KING SUPER TARGET RIB, FRONT / AND REAR SIGHTS, BARREL FITTED / WITH KING’S FULL-LENGTH BARREL / WEIGHT SYSTEM, TUNDED TRIGGER / AND ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER STOP / MODEL – – – – – WOODSMAN / SR. NO. – – – – – 125990 / CALIBER – – – – – .22LR / MFG. YEAR – – – – – 1938”. The case has minor storage wear, in about Fine condition. A single blued 10-round magazine is included showing minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition as likely refinished.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series pistol which shipped directly from the factory to King Gunsight Company where it was modified to its current configuration. Modifications from King include their patented reflector ramp front sight, fully adjustable rear sight, Colt-King Super Target ventilated rib, full-length barrel weight system, tuned trigger and adjustable trigger over-travel stop. This alone would leave any Woodsman collector’s mouth watering, but the package is rounded out with a set of Roper checkered walnut grips and a beautiful custom-made presentation case. The pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition, showing signs of use, but also responsible maintenance. This King customized Colt Woodsman checks a lot of boxes for the collector, but all of the work that has been done promises a great shooter, as well. Whatever your reason, this is one pistol you don’t want to miss out on. Please see our photos and good luck!