Colt Woodsman Match Target

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The Colt Woodsman Match Target represents a pinnacle of American firearm engineering, a legendary .22 caliber pistol that captured the hearts of sports shooters and collectors for over six decades. Designed by the iconic John Moses Browning and manufactured by Colt’s Manufacturing Company from 1915 to 1977, this pistol is more than just a firearm—it’s a testament to precision, craftsmanship, and innovation in American gun manufacturing.

Origins and Early Development

Initially introduced in 1915 as the Colt Automatic Target Pistol, the firearm wasn’t officially named the Woodsman until 1927. John Moses Browning collaborated with Colt designers to create a reliable .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol that would revolutionize target shooting and recreational marksmanship. The early models featured a unique design with an internal hammer and a distinctive 10-round magazine that required manual latching.

The Match Target Variant

In 1938, Colt introduced the Match Target model, which quickly became the crown jewel of the Woodsman line. This variant distinguished itself with several key features:

• Heavier barrel for improved accuracy
• Iconic "Elephant Ear" grips
• Specialized sight configuration designed for precision shooting

Series Evolution

The Colt Woodsman underwent three major series of development:

First Series (1915-1947)

The initial series established the pistol’s reputation. Characterized by a European-style magazine release on the heel of the grip, these early models laid the groundwork for future iterations. Production was briefly interrupted during World War II, making early models particularly collectible.

Second Series (1947-1955)

Post-war models introduced significant improvements, including:

• Enhanced safety features
• Button magazine release (a rare configuration)
• Military contracts for various branches including the Navy and Air Force

Third Series (1955-1977)

The final series saw the magazine release return to the heel of the grip. Budget-minded models like the Huntsman were introduced, featuring fixed sights and more affordable configurations.

Collectibility and Market Value

Today, Colt Woodsman Match Target pistols are highly prized by collectors. Depending on condition and series, these firearms can fetch remarkable prices:

• Military models: Up to $2,500
• Civilian models with Elephant Ear grips: Over $3,000
• Standard condition models: Around $500-$650

🔫 Note: The Elephant Ear grips are particularly rare and can sell for hundreds of dollars independently.

With approximately 690,000 Woodsmans produced during its 62-year production run, these pistols represent a significant chapter in American firearms history. Each model tells a story of precision engineering, sporting excellence, and the enduring legacy of John Moses Browning's design philosophy.