This is yet another classic firearm from John M. The bulk of the Marine and Coast Guard versions were destroyed and sold as scrap metal. The Air Force models had no special markings and most were sold as surplus through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship Program. Special versions were made for the United States Marine Corps (100 Match Target Models and 2500 Sport Models) United States Air Force (925 Target Models) and 75 Match Target Models for the United States Coast Guard.

Colt also introduced the less expensive Challenger model, which came equipped with fixed sights and featured a magazine release near bottom aft side of the grip. The three Models remained the same, but were built on a longer heavier frame and had a magazine safety, automatic slide stop and magazine release located at the rear of the trigger guard. Second Series 1948–1955 Ĭolt resumed production of the Woodsman in 1948. These pistols had oversized plastic two-piece grips and were marked 'Property US Government', but appeared on the surplus market after the war. In 1941 as the US entered World War II, Colt ceased civilian production of the Woodsman but delivered 4000 Match Target models to the US Government as late as 1945.

The Match Target Model debuted in 1938 and featured a heavier barrel with a one piece wrap-around grip known as the 'elephant ear.' A 'Bullseye' Icon was rollmarked into the slide lending the nickname 'Bullseye Match Target'.

Original versions were made with a fixed front sight in the first series, but by the latter half of production, an adjustable sight was available. The Sport Model was designed as a field sidearm for hiking and camping in 1933 and had a 4.5' barrel. It was not until 1927 that the name 'Woodsman' was used. The Target Model was the base model and featured a 6' barrel with adjustable front and rear sights. There are three series of the Colt Woodsman and each series had three models: Target, Sport and Match Target. These features were in place on his Model 19 designs, but a handgun intended for target use did not require them. īrowning developed the Woodsman with a short slide, no grip safety and no hammer.

The Colt Woodsman sprang from a design by John Moses Browning and was refined by gunsmiths and designers at Colt's before its introduction in 1915.

Colt match target 2nd series dates