Make: Colt

Model: Huntsman, 3rd Series

Serial Number: 114273-C

Year of Manufacture: 1957

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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

Barrel Length: 6"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black plastic with a rampant colt molded into the top of the right panel. The left panel has a crack at the top edge. The top-front of the left panel is bent outward slightly by the sideplate screw. The grips otherwise show minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The balance is mostly handling wear in the grip areas which have some faint oxidation. The barrel's finish has a slight plum hue. There are some minor nicks and tiny scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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 Colt magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Huntsman pistol, made in 1957. It has a 6" round barrel, fixed sights and a heel magazine release. John M. Browning designed "Colt's Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22", later to become the Woodsman. The design was refined slightly by Colt employees George Tansley and F.C. Chadwick before it was released in 1915, and the Woodsman stayed in production until 1974. Like the Challenger, the Huntsman model was introduced in 1950 as a lower cost alternative to the Woodsman. It shares the same basic construction and quality craftsmanship as the Woodsman with a few distinguishing features. The Huntsman had a simplified magazine release, simple fixed sights, and a flat muzzle instead of the rounded crown of the Woodsman, even saving just a little more with a smooth trigger which has a consistent curve. This trigger was easier to manufacture than the Woodsman's serrated trigger which has curves at the top and bottom with a little bit of a flat in the middle.

This pistol is in Very Good overall condition with about 85% of its original finish remaining, showing signs of responsible use over the last 69 years. It has been equipped with a set of plastic Colt grips from the 2nd Series. Whether you're looking for a classy plinker or want to round out your Colt collection, this Colt Huntsman would be a nice pony to add to your stable. Please see our photos and good luck!