Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Match Target, 3rd Series

Serial Number: 190218-S

Year of Manufacture: 1960 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 4 1/2" Fluted Slab-Side

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a flat topped square notch adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the slide. The front sight is a Patridge style blade that is pinned into a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with thumb rest on the left panel as for a right-handed shooter. The right panel has a notable bruise at the top, having damaged the surface wood. There is light wear at the bottom edge of each panel. There are a few other minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

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+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks and thin scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. 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 the original serial number matching two-piece cardboard Colt box with matching end label, matching serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray, serial-matching test-target, cleaning rod, manual, two Colt-branded sight adjustment tools, and a single 10-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target Model pistol, made in 1960. It has a fluted slab-side barrel, adjustable sights and a claw magazine release 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 and the Woodsman stayed in production until 1977. Sportsmen favored the 4 1/2” fixed-sight Sport Model, but the Match Target was the top of the line and a favorite of bullseye target competitors.

The pistol is in Fine overall condition with some wear in the stocks and little in the metal. The bore is great, the mechanics are strong. A Colt collector who doesn't yet have a Match Target in their stable should consider this for their first MT, the 4 1/2" Third Series Match Targets are among the most scarce Woodsman variants. With its original box and test target, this pistol checks a lot of boxes for the Colt collector. Whether you're adding to your collection or want a high quality, American made target pistol, this Match Target will make a great addition. Please see our photos and good luck!