Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1940 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,021.00

WOA#: WY240730KB001

Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Target Model, 1st Series

Serial Number: 142351

Year of Manufacture: 1940 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (the serrations on the mainspring housing indicate that High Velocity ammunition may be used in this pistol)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine

Markings: The left of the frame is marked “THE WOODSMAN” between the slide and barrel. The left of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL..22 LONG RIFLE” with a rampant colt logo. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” with patent dates. The frontstrap is marked with the serial number, found again marked on the inside of the slide.

Barrel Length: 6 5/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade screw-secured to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel; the front sight is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a “U”-notch sight adjustable for windage and dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There is minor verdigris at the screw escutcheons. The checkering is well defined. 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 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 96% of its metal finish. There are some light nicks and scuffs, most notable on the bottom of the trigger guard. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus 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 in a maroon cardboard hinge-lid box with the serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray portion. The label is worn, but appears to be model-matching. Included is a single 10-round magazine, cleaning rod, bore brush, manual, serial-matching test target and a green hang-tag advertising compatibility with high velocity ammunition.

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. 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 1/2” Sport Model but the Target model had a longer sight radius for its adjustable sights.

This Target Model is in Fine-plus overall condition, showing quite minor wear for its age of over 80 years. It has a great bore and strong mechanics, retaining the vast majority of its original finish. With its box, test target, manual, and even the hang-tag to advertise compatibility with high velocity ammunition, this is going to make the winning bidder quite happy. The early 1st Series Models are very collectible and we would expect this one to be no different. It should also still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

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

Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1940 C&R
Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1940 C&R