Does anyone still shoot these fine .22's or have all been snatched up by collectors? I have always wanted a 2nd. Model Woodsman HB Match Target 4 1/2 and if I ever am so lucky as to aquire one plan on shooting it rather than making them a safe queen! The last gun show I was at there was one of these available for $795.00. Not exactly a steal but considering the prices on Hamden High Standards & S&W 41's this is not out of the ball park price wise. Anyone still puting their Woodsman to use?
The Colt Woodsman
- Thread starter Bill B.
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280PLUS
Member
I have about a 1953 6" Match Target Nearly NIB, Less than 50 rounds through it with all the accessories, manual, etc. Trigger job by Colt 3/4 Lb. pull. 
It does have a minor blemish to the bluing on the slide.
I place it's value at ~ $1200. Just the gun without all the extras last I heard was ~$800
Would I sell it for $1200? Not at this time.
Yes it is a safe queen...
I hear the 4 1/2" barrel model IS more desirable which equals more money.
It does have a minor blemish to the bluing on the slide.
I place it's value at ~ $1200. Just the gun without all the extras last I heard was ~$800
Would I sell it for $1200? Not at this time.
Yes it is a safe queen...
I hear the 4 1/2" barrel model IS more desirable which equals more money.
Lobotomy Boy
Member
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- Feb 16, 2004
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If I'm ever lucky enough to snag one of these, it will get shot, not a lot, but I'll take it out a few times each year for a workout. It will probably be an indoor-only shooter, though.
280PLUS
Member
Oh, don't get me wrong, I shoot mine occasionally, a few rounds here and there.
Tony Mig
Member
I had a 1959 Targetsman...shot it a lot, didn't like it much, it was hell getting them apart to clean, and even a bigger hell getting them back together.
I sold mine, and bought a S&W 617 revolver. And it out shoots that Targetsman with ease. I don't know if the older Woodsman's were better guns as I've never held one, but the later model Targetsman's didn't do it for me.
I sold mine, and bought a S&W 617 revolver. And it out shoots that Targetsman with ease. I don't know if the older Woodsman's were better guns as I've never held one, but the later model Targetsman's didn't do it for me.
jaybar
Member
3/4 lb trigger pull ????? I don't think it's possible!!!
Hey 280PLUS - Did you leave a digit off somewhere? Maybe you meant 2 3/4 lb trigger pull. I've seen and worked on more than a few Woodsman guns and have never seen a trigger pull that was less than 2 1/2 # that the hammer wouldn't follow when the slide went home. The simplistic geometry of the design and the heavy flat leaf sear spring and the way sear spring pressure is applied almost preclude the possibility of a super light trigger pull that is safe. Let me know....
Hey 280PLUS - Did you leave a digit off somewhere? Maybe you meant 2 3/4 lb trigger pull. I've seen and worked on more than a few Woodsman guns and have never seen a trigger pull that was less than 2 1/2 # that the hammer wouldn't follow when the slide went home. The simplistic geometry of the design and the heavy flat leaf sear spring and the way sear spring pressure is applied almost preclude the possibility of a super light trigger pull that is safe. Let me know....
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I had a 3rd generation 6" barrel Colt Match Target Woodsman made in
1976 that I just dearly loved. In a moment of stupidity I traded it for
something else that I don't have now! Sure wish I had it back!
Best Wishes,
1976 that I just dearly loved. In a moment of stupidity I traded it for
something else that I don't have now!
Sure wish I had it back! Best Wishes,
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Oh, yes, it is. I've shot guns with two-ounce trigger pulls.
My lightest pistol trigger is about seventeen ounces.
280PLUS
Member
jaybar,
Honestly, i have never weighed it to see but this is what the original owner (my father in law) tells me. I've asked him several times too and he insists it's 3/4. I DO know that all you have to do is THINK about the gun firing and it does. Very little pressure needed. I should weigh it sometime and see I guess. Maybe you're right. Maybe they said 2 3/4 and all he heard was 3/4. I'd love to find out it's legal for matches, I might actually use it cause the trigger is so nice. He worked for a division of Colt at the time and Colt did the trigger for him is all I know for sure.
Oh, while we're on the subject, I need a grip screw and nut for it. HELP!! ANYBODY!!
Honestly, i have never weighed it to see but this is what the original owner (my father in law) tells me. I've asked him several times too and he insists it's 3/4. I DO know that all you have to do is THINK about the gun firing and it does. Very little pressure needed. I should weigh it sometime and see I guess. Maybe you're right. Maybe they said 2 3/4 and all he heard was 3/4. I'd love to find out it's legal for matches, I might actually use it cause the trigger is so nice. He worked for a division of Colt at the time and Colt did the trigger for him is all I know for sure.
Oh, while we're on the subject, I need a grip screw and nut for it. HELP!! ANYBODY!!
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Some years back I picked up a "shooter" First Model 6 1/2" for $175. It had lots of blue wear (the holster that came with it was worn through at the toe from muzzle wear) but had obviously been well cared for. The original stocks had been replaced by hand-made ones which were quite serviceable but a bit crude. Replaced them with hard rubber reproductions from Heritage and the pistol looks right--shoots very well. It was made in 1941 and shows real quality.
I have been in love with the Third Model target in 4 1/2" for about 45 years now and one of these days I am going to let it all hang out and nail one down. As far as I'm concerned it is one of the most beautiful pistols ever made.
Neat old guns.
I have been in love with the Third Model target in 4 1/2" for about 45 years now and one of these days I am going to let it all hang out and nail one down. As far as I'm concerned it is one of the most beautiful pistols ever made.
Neat old guns.
BluesBear
member
They were designed to be shot.
They were designed to be shot a lot.
They were also designed to last forever.
So what if they're hard to take apart.
They were designed to seldom ever need it.
I see a lot of Woodsman, Huntsman and Challengers at the shops and shows up here. A couple of dozen at every gun show. Prices range from reasonable to WTFAYT*.
I'd dearly love to have a 6" 2nd model Woodsman Match Target. That's been my dream gun since I was about 8. But those are pricey! Much too pricy for me.
But if I had one I'd take very, very good care of it. Of course I'd also shoot the snot out of it.
Just like it was designed.
They were designed to be shot a lot.
They were also designed to last forever.
So what if they're hard to take apart.
They were designed to seldom ever need it.
I see a lot of Woodsman, Huntsman and Challengers at the shops and shows up here. A couple of dozen at every gun show. Prices range from reasonable to WTFAYT*.
I'd dearly love to have a 6" 2nd model Woodsman Match Target. That's been my dream gun since I was about 8. But those are pricey! Much too pricy for me.
But if I had one I'd take very, very good care of it. Of course I'd also shoot the snot out of it.
Just like it was designed.
About 10 years ago I could have picked up a Woodsman 3 rd. HB 6 inch in mint shape for about $595.00 at about any of the major shows. Now the price seems to hover closer to a $1000.00. By the way the 4 1/2 version I saw the other day for $795.00 was a good shootable gun but was far from mint shape. The Woodsman HB Match Target ranks up there with the Colt Python as one of the most elegant pistols ever made IMO!
280PLUS
Member
For your viewing pleasure...
DSRUPTV
Member
Thanks for posting the pic 280, sweet gun.
280PLUS
Member
Thanx,
I owe it to being at the right place at the right time and actually having money that day...
Interesting to think it's over 50 years old.
I owe it to being at the right place at the right time and actually having money that day...
Interesting to think it's over 50 years old.
countertop
Member
My dad's got one with the box, manual, accessories, and the receipt from when he purchased it 40+ years ago.
It is a beauty and a safe baby.
It is a beauty and a safe baby.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
If the trigger pull is three quarters of a pound, it's a pound and a quarter below the minimum for N.R.A. bullseye matches. The trigger is supposed to hold at two pounds, and break at any weight above that. Model 1911 triggers are expected to hold at 3.5 pounds.
Most of my .22 match pistol triggers are N.R.A. bullseye-legal; I still prefer much lighter triggers, however.
Kingcreek
Member
I got 2 of 'em.
1949- 6" target model woodsman (not match target)
1948- 4" woodsman
these little gems are sweeter than sweet and they get a few mags thru them a couple times a year.
1949- 6" target model woodsman (not match target)
1948- 4" woodsman
these little gems are sweeter than sweet and they get a few mags thru them a couple times a year.
280PLUS
Member
I'm going to have to weigh it and see what the true story is.
Thanx Standing Wolf!
Thanx Standing Wolf!
i have a couple of woodsmans from the first models, one 4 inch and one six inch.
i also have two six inch match target second models, one ANIB, the other a near daily shooter, it is my choice for popping squirrels off the wifes bird feeders. No i will not sell any of them, Always looking for second model magazines,
i also have two six inch match target second models, one ANIB, the other a near daily shooter, it is my choice for popping squirrels off the wifes bird feeders. No i will not sell any of them, Always looking for second model magazines,
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