Colt · Semi-automatic pistol
Colt Woodsman Value
The Colt Woodsman is a .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic target and plinking pistol introduced in the mid-1910s, notable as one of the earliest dedicated .22 rimfire autoloading pistols aimed at target shooters and small-game hunters. Its slim profile and balanced grip angle made it popular for decades among recreational and competitive shooters.
.jpg){kind=link}
- Type
- Semi-automatic pistol
- Production
- 1915 to 1977, produced across three recognized series
- Maker
- Colt
About the Colt Woodsman
The Colt Woodsman is a .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic target and plinking pistol introduced in the mid-1910s, notable as one of the earliest dedicated .22 rimfire autoloading pistols aimed at target shooters and small-game hunters. Its slim profile and balanced grip angle made it popular for decades among recreational and competitive shooters.
Colt organized Woodsman production into three broadly recognized series, each with different frame and slide details, safety and magazine release designs, and grip styles. Target, Sport, and Match Target models were offered within these series with differing sight and barrel configurations.
Because the Woodsman had a long production run with numerous internal changes, correctly identifying which series and sub-variant a given pistol belongs to is an important step in evaluating an individual example.
Variations
Colt Woodsman variations that matter
Configuration is often the difference between two otherwise identical examples.
First series (1915–1947)
Original design with a distinctive humpback-style grip frame and a straight-sided slide.
Second series (1947–1955)
Updated slide and grip contours, along with a redesigned magazine release.
Third series (1955–1977)
Final production era with a heavier barrel option and further ergonomic updates.
Target, Sport, and Match Target models
Offered with differing barrel lengths and sight configurations aimed at different shooting uses within each series.
Barrel lengths
Common barrel lengths across the model's history include 4.5-inch and 6-inch, with a 6.5-inch heavy barrel offered in later Match Target versions.
Valuation
What affects Colt Woodsman value
We do not publish a price chart. These are the characteristics that determine what a specific example evaluates at.
Factor 1
Series identification
First, second, and third series Woodsmans differ in frame shape and internal parts, and are considered separately when assessing a given pistol.
Factor 2
Model variant
Target, Sport, and Match Target configurations carry different barrel and sight setups that are factored into an evaluation.
Factor 3
Condition of finish and grips
Original blue finish and factory grips are weighed against refinishing or replacement grips.
Factor 4
Mechanical function
Reliable feeding and functioning of the .22 rimfire action is part of assessing overall condition on any Woodsman.
Factor 5
Barrel condition
Bore condition matters significantly on a rimfire target pistol and is closely examined.
Factor 6
Box and accessories
Original box, extra magazines, and any included tools or manuals are considered alongside the pistol.
Colt Woodsman: common questions
Related to the Colt Woodsman
Manufacturers
Firearms we buy
Specialty value topics
Selling a Colt Woodsman?
Send the details and photographs and we will evaluate the example you actually own.