Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Match Target

Serial Number: 175984-S

Year of Manufacture: 1957

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 6" Fluted Slab Side

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear of the blade has a spot of white paint, the top of the base has a spot of red paint immediately behind the blade. The rear sight is a flat-topped square-notch leaf in a fully adjustable mount. The mounting pin for the rear sight is missing.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with thumb rest on the left panel for a right handed shooter. The left panel is notably darker than the right. The grips show handling wear, more notable in the right panel with some scattered light marks. There is a more notable ding above the checkering on the right panel. There is finish wear around the bottom. The checkering is generally well defined. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as, at least partially, not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor frosting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at most edges, more notable at sharp corners. There are a few scattered light nicks and thin scratches with a spot of more notable scratches on the left of the barrel at the top edge. The grip areas show light handling wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rear sight mounting pin is missing as noted above. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes with a single 10-round magazine and a Hunter leather snap-holster.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target Model pistol, made in 1957. It has a fluted slab-side barrel, 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 Sport Model, but the Match Target was the top of the line and a favorite of bullseye target competitors.

The pistol is in Good overall condition as refinished. The pistol retains the great majority of its new finish, the bore is great, and the mechanics are strong, though the rear sight mounting pin is missing. A Colt collector who doesn't yet have a Match Target in their stable may consider this for their first MT. 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 in your bidding!