Colt Model Woodsman Sport 1st Series .22 LR 4.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol 1940 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1975

LSB#: 210221PK13

Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Sport Model First Series

Serial Number: 138712

Year of Manufacture: 1940 (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”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. .22 LONG RIFLE” and with the Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame at the chamber is marked “THE WOODSMAN”. The left 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 left side of the trigger guard is marked with a “P” and “VP” in a triangle. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “30”. The front strap is marked with the serial number, found again marked on the bottom of the slide.

Barrel Length: 4 1/2”.

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a flat-topped square notch that is screw adjustable for windage with a locking screw on the top and dovetailed into the slide. The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a rounded front, fixed to the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips show only minor handling wear with very lightly worn, nearly sharp checkers. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with pronounced rifling. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few little marks on the muzzle. There are a few nicks through the finish on the left side of the slide on the top edge. The right side of the slide has a couple light marks. There is some faint thinning on some of the edges, hardly noticeable. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a crisp trigger pull and the slide has almost no play to the frame while still sliding smoothly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to fulfill your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and serial number written in pencil on the bottom, manual, copy of the original sales receipt, test target, and a single 10-round magazine. The box has some light storage wear, mostly on the edges and corners. The magazine has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: The Colt Woodsman was made in three different series starting in 1927. Of note is the fact that Colt changed the magazine release from the bottom (1st Series) to the left side (2nd Series) and then back again to the bottom in the 3rd series. This pistol is a 1st Series, made after the main spring housing change to accept high-velocity ammunition (serrated, not checkered). The Colt Woodsman pistols were prized for their accuracy and the quality of workmanship put into them, making them a favorite of the target shooters in their day, and it wouldn’t surprise us if this pistol could outshoot most of the rimfire autos being made today. This pistol is in about Fine Plus condition, with nearly all of its finish left; this is impressive for production in late 1940. It did not see much use, we’re unsure of its history but it was clearly stored and cared for responsibly. This is a collector’s wish come true and will be a prized piece for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!