Engraved Colt Camp Perry Model 8″ .22 LR Single Shot Target Pistol 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,926
WOA#: WY240318RU092
Make: Colt
Model: Camp Perry
Serial Number: 2335
Year of Manufacture: 1937 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Rotating Breech, Rimfire Pistol
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED JULY 4, 1905 OCT 5, 1926”, and the left side of the barrel is marked “CAL. 22 LONG RIFLE”. The left side of the barrel mount is marked “CAMP PERRY MODEL”. The serial number “2335” is marked on the left side of the frame under the grip and on the inside of the crane. The frame and sideplate have after-market foliate scroll engraving cut through the finish.
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the topstrap, adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece custom checkered walnut with a thumb-shelf on the left panel for a right-handed shooter. The grips have light handling wear with a few nicks. There are a series of shallow scratches on the bottom face of each panel. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, the latch has been altered or replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is a little stubborn fouling and infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some light nicks and scratches. The engraving is cut through the finish. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The barrel locks up with no play to the frame. We have not fired 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 reproduction hinge-lid cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and reproduction paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Colt Camp Perry is one of the scarcest Colt cartridge pistols, with only 2,488 produced in total. With the barrel fixed in the breech block, the design is inherently more accurate than contemporary revolvers or autoloaders, but still has the same form-factor as a Colt Officer’s model, though it is slimmer due to the lack of a cylinder or recoil shield. Despite the quality of the design and, according to a 1929 catalog listing, “having won every official match for .22 caliber single-shot pistols in which it has been entered, including the N.R.A. .22 Cal Slow-Fire Pistol Match, the U.S.R.A. 50-yard Pistol Championship and the 50-meter-International Pistol Match”, interest in the pistol was limited, and the model was finally discontinued in 1941 after 20 years of production. This example is an 8? model from 1937 and is in Very Good Plus condition. It retains about 87% of its metal finish with a great bore and strong mechanics. In addition to its custom grip and customized latch, the frame and sideplate have been custom engraved, giving the gun a unique appearance. This is a great example of the Colt Camp Perry, perfect for both the target shooter and the Colt collector. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
