Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Target Model, 1st Series

Serial Number: 137088

Year of Manufacture: 1940

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (the serrations on the mainspring housing indicate that High Velocity ammunition may be used in this pistol)

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

Barrel Length: 6 5/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade screw-secured to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel; the front sight is adjustable for elevation (The secure screw is missing). The rear sight is a rectangular-notch sight adjustable for windage and dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There is minor verdigris at the screw escutcheons. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, the slide is serial-matching.

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 some light nicks and scuffs, most notable on the front strap. There is minor thinning on the leading edges. 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 in a reproduction two-piece faux-wood cardboard Colt box, JEM re-print owner’s manual, and a single 10-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model pistol with a 6 5/8” barrel and checkered walnut grips. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip, characteristic of the 1st and 3rd Series. 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. The Woodsman stayed in production until 1977. Sportsmen favored the 4 1/2” Sport Model but the Target model had a longer sight radius for its adjustable sights.

This Target Model is in Fine overall condition, showing quite minor wear for its age of over 80 years. It has a great bore and strong mechanics, retaining the vast majority of its original finish. With its box, manual, this is going to make the winning bidder quite happy. The early 1st Series Models are very collectible and we would expect this one to be no different. It should also still make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!