Kahr carrier
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Was it manufacturing costs or did the gun lose popularity??
Why did Colt discontinue the Woodsman 22LR
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RON in PA
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I remember handling a Woodsman in the early 1970s and did not think the trigger compared to a Ruger or High Standard (never have handled a Smith 41). My guess is that the gun was not competitive with the above mentioned brands pricewise or performance wise to stay in the marketplace. Also as has been mentioned Colt was probably too busy making M16s to care about the civilian market and possible upgrades to maintain competitiveness.
The Woodsman, like many other discontinued Colt firearms, required the kind of manufacturing methods and hand workmanship that can no longer be produced in today's economy. To make a profit Colt had to raise the price to a point where few buyers were willing or able to pay.
While the passing of these guns is sad, they are still available on the used market - sometimes for high prices - but in the long run they represent excellent values. Quality is still quality, no mater how you cut it. Many current firearms are functionally equal or better then the older ones, but they lack the high-polish finish and fit that make the "classics" so great to own.
While the passing of these guns is sad, they are still available on the used market - sometimes for high prices - but in the long run they represent excellent values. Quality is still quality, no mater how you cut it. Many current firearms are functionally equal or better then the older ones, but they lack the high-polish finish and fit that make the "classics" so great to own.
The Woodsman, like many other discontinued Colt firearms, required the kind of manufacturing methods and hand workmanship that can no longer be produced in today's economy. To make a profit Colt had to raise the price to a point where few buyers were willing or able to pay.
While the passing of these guns is sad, they are still available on the used market - sometimes for high prices - but in the long run they represent excellent values. Quality is still quality, no mater how you cut it. Many current firearms are functionally equal or better then the older ones, but they lack the high-polish finish and fit that make the "classics" so great to own.
Well said, Well said, Old Fluff and how true , how true.
Most of us old timers often scratch our heads when we see people paying the same amount of money or in some cases even way more for what is being made today when one can often by shopping around buy some out of this world older guns that were literally works of art and that have skyrocketing investment value.
I suppose that so many new shooters are either in such a rush to buy something that they either do not have the patients or the time in their busy lives to wait and shop for something a lot better. Many also may have never owned a quality weapon and are not even aware of the vast differece between these older weapons and that which is being made today. There just is no comparsion.
While the passing of these guns is sad, they are still available on the used market - sometimes for high prices - but in the long run they represent excellent values. Quality is still quality, no mater how you cut it. Many current firearms are functionally equal or better then the older ones, but they lack the high-polish finish and fit that make the "classics" so great to own.
Well said, Well said, Old Fluff and how true , how true.
Most of us old timers often scratch our heads when we see people paying the same amount of money or in some cases even way more for what is being made today when one can often by shopping around buy some out of this world older guns that were literally works of art and that have skyrocketing investment value.
I suppose that so many new shooters are either in such a rush to buy something that they either do not have the patients or the time in their busy lives to wait and shop for something a lot better. Many also may have never owned a quality weapon and are not even aware of the vast differece between these older weapons and that which is being made today. There just is no comparsion.
Kahr carrier
Member
I agree a lot of the OLDIES are GOODIES I like buying used guns for the above reasons a lot of the good guns have been discontinued an thats the only way you are going to find them.
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Kingcreek
Member
I have 2 woodsmans, a '48 4" and a '49 6" target and I can assure you the triggers were not a problem. As stated, the amount of handwork made them less competitive in the market place.
The fit and finish on these old beauties are to be admired.
and No, they are not for sale.
The fit and finish on these old beauties are to be admired.
and No, they are not for sale.
In the late 40's, the Colt Target Woodsman sold for $70; the Ruger MkI was $52. The Colt Challenger was 50, the Ruger Standard Model was $37.50. The Colt Match Target Woodsman (arguably the best target pistol made in the US), was $85.
The difference seems little now, but $20 was a lot of money at a time when a good annual salary for a starting teacher was $2700.
Jim
The difference seems little now, but $20 was a lot of money at a time when a good annual salary for a starting teacher was $2700.
Jim
Oh Darn!! BHP9 has let the cat out of the bag. Now someone else besides we "oldtimers" may start looking at those older quality guns (grin). I have to admit though it's a bit of a problem to find leather for some of them these days.
Many dealers are literally loaded with older .38 Special, Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers that they'd like to move for something between $150.00 to $250.00 that are excellent shooters if not collector grade.
A while back I purchased an old but mecanically perfect Colt Army Special that needs a new barrel and grips. The cost? $55.00 or thereabouts. This Old Fuff will go for one of those kinds of deals any day. Of course it's a "builder" and I have plans ....
Many dealers are literally loaded with older .38 Special, Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers that they'd like to move for something between $150.00 to $250.00 that are excellent shooters if not collector grade.
A while back I purchased an old but mecanically perfect Colt Army Special that needs a new barrel and grips. The cost? $55.00 or thereabouts. This Old Fuff will go for one of those kinds of deals any day. Of course it's a "builder" and I have plans ....
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
In its prime, the Woodsman was quite a pistol, but Colt didn't sustain its quality control standards, and High Standard built better, slightly less expensive pistols—until its Q.C. standards were allowed to slide, too.
Kahr carrier
Member
I always have my eye out for a Woodsman Match Target but they always seem to have a high resale value ,a local shop had one in ,but it was priced at $1800 firm a little to rich for my blood .The funny thing about that Woodsman is that the previous owner had cut the triggerguard off because his finger wouldnt fit in it.
Schuey2002
Member
Someone has to do this----->
My 1960's 4-inch Woodsman is one of the finest guns I own. Its workmanship is like nothing I've seen on current guns, from the fit of the parts, to the even bluing, to the fine, crisp markings.
That said, I paid about $400 for it ten years ago. If it were being made new today, I bet I couldn't afford it any more than I can afford a new Single Action Army or Python.
That said, I paid about $400 for it ten years ago. If it were being made new today, I bet I couldn't afford it any more than I can afford a new Single Action Army or Python.
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