Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Target Model .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,600.00
LSB#: LSB260409MF001
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Target Model, 3rd Series
Serial Number: 179000-S
Year of Manufacture: 1957 C&R (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto fed by Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the frame is marked “MATCH TARGET” with a Rampant Colt logo between the slide and barrel. The left of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE” with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6”
Magazine Condition/Quantity: 3x 10-round magazine with moderate operational wear. These magazines are in Fine condition.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge sight pinned to a serrated ramp fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a rectangular-notch sight adjustable for windage and dovetailed into the slide. The top of the barrel and frame have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut ‘Elephant Ear’ target-style. The grips have handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering is well defined with some dulling of the peaks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are handling marks and storage wear. There is some thinning of the finish at the muzzle. There are some minor scratches along the metal surface. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent 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: Original Colt ‘wood grain’ cardboard box (unconfirmed serial matching), 3x 10-round magazines.
Our Assessment: This Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Target Model is a handsome C&R-eligible postwar rimfire pistol manufactured in 1957 and chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The Woodsman line was one of Colt’s premier sporting and target pistol families, with roots in John Browning’s early semi-automatic rimfire design work and a reputation for excellent balance, accuracy, and quality machining. This example is marked “MATCH TARGET” on the frame and wears the distinctive checkered walnut “Elephant Ear” target grips, features that give it strong collector and shooter appeal. With its 6″ barrel, Patridge front sight, adjustable rear sight, matte-finished sighting plane for glare reduction, and classic Colt blue finish, this pistol represents the refined postwar evolution of Colt’s famous .22 target auto.
This pistol remains in Excellent overall condition, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with light handling marks, storage wear, minor scratches, and some thinning at the muzzle. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The “Elephant Ear” walnut target grips rate Fine, showing handling scratches, compression marks, and some dulling to the checkering peaks, but no chips or cracks. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, and the included three 10-round magazines rate Fine with moderate operational wear. The original Colt “wood grain” cardboard box, though not confirmed serial matching, adds desirable collector value to the package. This is a very attractive 3rd Series Colt Woodsman for rimfire target shooters, Colt collectors, and anyone who appreciates classic mid-century American sporting pistols. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY