Colt Woodsman Pocket Guide | |
A 96 page pocket size copy of this Woodsman Guide is available from the author. Information is included on the Pre-Woodsman, Woodsman Sport, Woodsman Target, Woodsman Match Target, Challenger, Huntsman, and Targetsman. | |
The 8th edition is now available. This is the latest and final edition. More information, more pictures, improved layout and organization over previous versions, and greatly improved photos. Includes:
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All in a convenient, shirt pocket sized format (3-3/4" x 5-1/2"). Based on original research in the factory records at Colt Firearms, and over 40 years of Woodsman collecting. Price is $10, plus $1 for shipping. Cash, check, or money order ok. Paypal and Google Checkout have gotten too demanding and complicated to continue using them.
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For several years I have been working on a book to detail the many variations, complete with extensive photographs. Unfortunately, time has caught up with me. I am now in my 80s, and will probably not live long enough to complete it.
Bob Rayburn 7622 Emerald DR SW Lakewood, WA 98498 | or email me. |
This is a collector's guide to the Colt Woodsman, not a value guide. While factors that affect value are listed, this is not intended to be a price guide! Collecting the Colt Woodsman is a hobby for me, not a business. Please note that I do not do appraisals, so please do not ask me to estimate the value of your gun. I have provided input to the Blue Book of Gun Values for several years, and since 2005 I also contribute to The Standard Catalog of Firearms. Each of these publications is updated annually with Colt Woodsman values and descriptions based on my recommendations to the editor. The two publications are not identical, and each has certain advantages over the other. I recommend that you consult both publications and then make your own appraisal. You can order either one or both by clicking on the links below.
Standard Catalog Of Firearms 16th Edition (2006) |
2011 Standard Catalog Of Firearms: The Collector's Price & Reference Guide |
Blue Book of Gun Values |
If you do not feel qualified to do your own appraisal with the aid of these books, Blue Book Publications will do a written appraisal for you for only $20. There are links on their web site to their appraisal service. They also have experts available to answer specific questions about almost any type of gun for a small fee.
Woodsman owners usually want to know when their pistol was made, its model and type, and how much it's worth. This guide will not give all the answers for a specific Woodsman, but it will provide you with the basic knowledge to answer those questions yourself.
THE THREE SERIES
There are three series of Woodsman pistols, corresponding to three basic frame designs. First Series refers to all those built on the S frame as it existed prior to and during World War Two. Second Series includes all versions built on the second S frame design from late 1947 until mid 1955, and Third Series means the third S frame design as used from 1955 to the end of regular production in 1977.
The first series Woodsman can be easily recognized by its distinctive profile, which resembles the German Luger in the rakish grip angle. The serial number also provides a sure means of identification, since only the first series has no alphabetical suffix. |
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Second Series (1947-1955)
The Second Series Woodsmans are the only models that have a push button magazine release, as on the Government Model 45. All post-WWII type Woodsmans, both Second and Third Series, have an S suffix to the serial number. Although it is part of the Second Series, the Challenger model, unlike the Woodsman, has a spring catch at the butt and a C suffix to the serial number.
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Then it is a 3rd Series. |
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Each series had a Sport Model with a 4-1/2 inch round barrel, a Target Model with a 6 or 6-5/8 inch round barrel, and a Match Target Model with a heavy, flat sided barrel. For the first series Match Target that flat sided barrel was 6-5/8 inches in length, while in the post war versions it was either 4-1/2 or 6 inches.
The very similar Challenger, Huntsman, and Targetsman were attempts by Colt to meet price competition from less costly .22 pistols and were made during the post-WWII years only.