Colt Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol 1972 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1305
LSB#: 210904DJ69
Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman Match Target 3rd Series
Serial Number: 033130S
Year of Manufacture: 1972 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup), ATF Curio & Relic List, “Colt, Woodsman, cal. .22, semiautomatic pistols, all models, all series, all S/Ns, (to include Match Target, Challenger, Huntsmen, and Targetsman), made prior to 1978.”
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, CONN. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “033130S” over the trigger. The right of the trigger guard is marked “C”, the left is marked “7” and “VP” in triangle.
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 an Elliason 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 walnut with thumb rest on the left panel as for a right-handed shooter. The grips have minor handling wear, most notable is thinning finish on the edge of the thumb rest. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Fine-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.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in light handling wear in the grip areas where there is also some minor surface oxidation. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges. There are some other scattered minor nicks and scuffs. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine 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 a total of three 10-round magazines. The magazines have light operational wear, intact feed lips and strong springs. One magazine has more notable finish wear on its floorplate than the other two and one has more notable wear from the magazine catch on its floorplate.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target pistol, made in 1972. 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 Fine overall condition with about 92% of its original finish remaining. The finish is generally strong throughout with wear consistent with responsible use. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. 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 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!
