Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Sport Model, 3rd Series

Serial Number: 017090S

Year of Manufacture: Colt's serial lookup indicates production in 1968, other sources indicate 1969. The serial-matching test-target is dated 1-6-70.

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

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 walnut with thumb rest on the left panel as for a right-handed shooter. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light marks, mostly on the bottom faces. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in about Fine overall 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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few light nicks and thin scratches, most on the left slide-flat and the right of the barrel. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine 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 with a single 10-round magazine, serial-matching test-target, manual, and a two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box with model-matching label and the serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Sport pistol made in the very late 1960s and test-targeted in January, 1970. It has a 4 1/2" barrel with 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 1/2” Sport Model and while many see notable wear from use in the field, this example is in Fine condition with 96% of its original finish remaining. The pistol appears to have seen limited and responsible use over the last 55 years. With its great bore, this should make for quite the shooter, but its high condition and original box will also interest the collectors. 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!