Make: Colt
Model: Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target Model
Serial Number: 042663S
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 6", fluted slab-side.
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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor frosting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning lightly at most edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-plus 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.
Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 3rd Series Match Target pistol made in 1973. It has a 6" fluted slab-side 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 while the longer sight radius of the 6" barrel made the Target Model a little more precise. The Match Target model was one of the finest target pistols available for decades, with some European pistols starting to catch up around the WWII-era.
This Match Target appears to have seen limited use, in Fine-plus condition with beautiful grips, a strong bore, and good mechanics. 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!
