Make: Colt

Model: Woodsman Target Model, 1st Series

Serial Number: 92599

Year of Manufacture: 1934

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (the serrated backstrap indicates that this pistol may use high velocity ammunition)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 6 5/8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade pinned to a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel, adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed and screw-set to the rear of the slide, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. 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 about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few spots of faint erosion in the bore and a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. There are a few minor nicks and scuffs with a spot of finish wear and light oxidation at the muzzle on the left. There is a ding on the rear face of the slide, mostly not through the finish. There are scattered freckles of faint oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 hinge-lid cardboard Colt box with model-matching label, the serial number hand-written on the bottom, factory paperwork including manual, and a single two-tone 10-round magazine.

Our Assessment: This is a Colt Woodsman 1st Series Target Model pistol with a 6 5/8” barrel and target sights. The magazine release is on the bottom of the grip, 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). 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, while the Match Target was the top of the line and a favorite of bullseye target competitors.

This Woodsman pistol is in Fine overall condition, appearing to have seen limited use over the last 90 years. The pistol comes with its original box, a nice find for the collectors. The early 1st Series Models are very collectable and we would expect this one to be no different. The fit and finish on these pistols is better than on many guns made today, and this example's high condition and box enhances its collectability. It should also still be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!