Colt Camp Perry Model 8″ .22 LR Single Shot Target Pistol, MFD 1938 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,451.00

LSB#: WY240722RK004

Make: Colt

Model: Camp Perry

Serial Number: 2353

Year of Manufacture: 1938 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Rotating Breech, Rimfire Pistol

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED JULY 4, 1905. OCT. 5, 1926.”, the left is marked “CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” and the left of the faux-cylinder portion is marked “CAMP PERRY MODEL”. The sideplate has a rampant colt. The crane and the left of the frame under the grip are marked “2353”. 
Barrel Length: 8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the topstrap, adjustable for windage. The rear sight’s set-screw is missing.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips show light wear with a few small marks, spots of discoloration, and a little stubborn residue. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. 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 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There is some minor oxidation in the grip straps, including under the grips. There is a line of surface erosion on the right-front of the frame along the barrel. Some portions of the barrel have a slight plum hue. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The barrel locks up with no play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Colt Camp Perry is one of the most rare Colt cartridge pistols, with only 2,488 produced in all. With the barrel fixed in the breech block, the design is inherently more accurate than contemporary revolvers or autoloaders, but still has the same form-factor as a Colt Officer’s model, though it is more slim due to the lack of a cylinder or recoil shield. Despite the quality of the design and, according to a 1929 catalog listing: “having won every official match for .22 caliber single-shot pistols in which it has been entered, including the N.R.A. .22 Cal Slow-Fire Pistol Match, the U.S.R.A. 50-yard Pistol Championship and the 50-meter-International Pistol Match”, interest in the pistol was limited, and the model was finally discontinued in 1941 after 20 years of production.

This example is an later 8″ model produced in 1938. The pistol is in Very Good-plus condition showing signs of light use over the last 86 years, but retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. It will make a great addition to a Colt collection and should still serve as a fine quality target pistol, today. Please see our photos and good luck!

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