Colt Woodsman Match Target .22 LR Semi-Auto Pistol 3rd Series 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,500.00
LSB#: WY240914BS008
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series
Serial Number: 309823S
Year of Manufacture: 1976 (https://colt22.com/dates.html)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE”. The left side of the frame is marked with a rampant colt over “MATCH TARGET” between the slide and barrel. The left of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “309823S” over the trigger. The right of the trigger guard is marked “O”.
Barrel Length: 6?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Hardwood with thumb rest on the left panel as for a right-handed shooter. The grips have minor handling wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in 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 the opinion of the writer the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide locks back on an empty magazine. The manual safety can be used to lock the slide forward. 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 1 magazine.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target pistol, made in 1959. It has a 6? fluted slab-side barrel with full-length lug, adjustable sights and a claw magazine release 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, respectively). 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 and the Woodsman stayed in production until 1977. Sportsmen favored the 4 ½” Sport Model, but the 6? barrel with adjustable sights was more popular with target shooters and the Match Target was the top of the line. The pistol is in Excellent overall condition with about 99% of its original finish remaining. The pistol appears to have seen limited use and spent more time in its box than out. Target pistols of this quality are no longer made in the United States and will command a premium over most “new” currently manufactured pistols except those used for high-end competition. If you are looking for a rimfire target pistol, this is still a better choice than most “new” pistols on the market today, but as with most Colts, they are now quite collectible. Whether you’re looking for a shooter or an addition to a collection, this is a nice pony to add to any stable, . Please see our photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
