Engraved Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, 1942 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3,363.99

WOA#: WY240526BJ003

Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Target Model, 1st Series

Serial Number: 186523

Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (serrations on the mainspring housing indicate that this pistol is suitable for use with High Velocity Ammunition)

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” followed by a rampant colt. The left side of the frame is marked “THE WOODSMAN”. The top 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 front strap is marked “186523”, found again marked on the bottom of the slide. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “5” and with a “VP” in a triangle proof. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “87”. The frame, barrel and slide have relief foliate scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth bone panels. The left panel has a thin crack across the screw hole. There are two cracks at the bottom edge of the right panel. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. 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 98% of its metal finish. The action shows light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition as custom engraved.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This pistol comes with a single 10-round magazine.

Our Assessment: 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 with three distinct series of the model. This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model pistol with a 6 1/2” barrel. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip, characteristic of the 1st and 3rd Series. Sportsmen favored the 4 1/2” Sport Model but the target model’s longer barrel and adjustable sights made it more suitable for formal target shooting. This example was produced in 1942, which makes it a fairly interesting piece for Colt collectors. As the United States went to a war footing following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Colt’s production was desperately needed for military arms and production of civilian firearms virtually ceased. It would be two years after the end of WWII before production of the Woodsman resumed with the 2nd series. This is one of the last 1st Series Woodsman pistols made. It is a beautiful piece that has been skillfully engraved with the engraving cleverly incorporating the factory markings, which were well preserved. This gorgeous woodsman would make a fine addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud