Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1930 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210930TP10
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Target Model, 1st Series
Serial Number: 77061
Year of Manufacture: 1930 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by 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 “77061”, found again on the inside of the slide. The left front of the trigger guard is marked “8” and with a “VP” in a triangle proof.
Barrel Length: 6 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a base at the front of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch sight dovetailed into the slide, it is adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips show minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks and small scratches, mostly on the top and right of the slide and the right of the frame. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.
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 marked “CAL. 22 / COLT” on the floorplate with “SINCLAIR” hand-scribed on the right side. The floorplate appears to have been sandblasted with no finish and some minor oxidation. Otherwise, the magazine shows minor wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model pistol with a 6 5/8” barrel and checkered walnut grips. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip, characteristic of the 1st and 3rd Series (The Colt Woodsman pistols changed the location of the magazine release from the butt to the left side of the frame and then back to the butt for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Series – We guess they were going to keep changing it until they got it right). 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. Sportsmen favored the 4 ½” Sport Model but the Target model had a longer sight radius for its adjustable sights. The pistol is in Fine overall condition, retaining the vast majority of its original finish and showing wear consistent with little use over the last 90 years. The bore is bright with strong rifling and no erosion. The early 1st Series Models are very collectible and we would expect this one to be no different. The fit and finish on these pistols is better than many guns made today, enhancing their collectability. Please see our photos and good luck!