Two Digit Colt Model Challenger like Woodsman .22 LR 4.5″ Pistol 1950 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1050

LSB#: 211123LA06

Make: Colt

Model: Challenger

Serial Number: 15-C

Year of Manufacture: 1950 (https://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” and “AUTOMATIC / CAL..22 LONG RIFLE”. The left side of the frame is marked with a rampant colt over “CHALLENGER” between the slide and barrel. The left of the barrel is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “15-C” over the trigger. The right of the trigger guard is marked “8” and “4”, the left is marked “VP” in triangle.

Barrel Length: 4 1/2″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered “Coltwood” brown plastic with a rampant colt in circle at the top of the right panel. There are a couple scuffs on the smooth portions, most noticeable on the left panel above the checkering. There are a couple little dings, most noticeable on the bottom edge of the left panel. The cheering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are a few little nicks on the barrel and some finish loss on the sides at the muzzle. There are some scattered scuffs on the matte portions. There is some thinning on the edges. There are a couple of little nicks on the back edge on the top of the slide. There is a ding on the left corner of the rear sight. There are one or two little tiny freckles of frost. The screw head is lightly worn with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide is not designed to lock back on an empty magazine. The manual safety can be used to lock the slide forward or to the rear. 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: A single 10-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Challenger pistol, made in 1950 the first year of production. It has a 4 1/2″ round barrel, fixed sights and a heel magazine release. 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. The Challenger was introduced in 1950 as a lower-cost alternative to the Woodsman. The pistol is in about Fine overall condition with about 93% of its original finish remaining, showing signs of normal use over the last 70 years, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This one would make a great addition to a Colt collection, it looks good, is from the first year of production, and better yet has a two digit serial number! Please see our photos and good luck!