Colt First Series Pre-Woodsman .22 LR Target Model, 6 5/8 in Barrel (1926)
This 1926 Colt Automatic Pistol, Caliber .22 Target Model is a First Series Pre-Woodsman with the early markings collectors look for and a 6 5/8 in fixed barrel. The left side is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC / CAL. .22 LONG RIFLE" with the Rampant Colt and no "THE WOODSMAN" rollmark, and the top of the barrel carries the two-line address with 1903 and 1918 patent dates. It is a full-size, blued steel target pistol with adjustable iron sights and checkered walnut grip panels.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Fouling: Mild Fouling - Light buildup of fouling or dirt.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are significant markings and areas of finish loss from previous handling and use. For its age, it presents in very good condition. The bore is bright and clean. Refer to pictures for details.
What's Included
- Colt First Series Pre-Woodsman .22 LR Target Model pistol
- 1x 10-round steel single-stack magazine with long witness slot, circular follower button, and toe floorplate
- Leather full-flap holster
As a First Series Pre-Woodsman Target Model, this pistol represents Colt's early .22 LR target design prior to the Woodsman rollmark. Its distinctive left-side "COLT AUTOMATIC / CAL. .22 LONG RIFLE" legend with the Rampant Colt, absence of "THE WOODSMAN," and two-line top-of-barrel address with 1903 and 1918 patent dates are correct for this period.
The pistol uses a fixed 6 5/8 in medium-profile barrel with top ejection and a simple blowback, semi-automatic action. Construction is all steel with a blued finish, appropriate to the era and model.
Sighting equipment is practical and adjustable: a pinned blade front sight that can be raised or lowered for elevation and a rear U-notch in a dovetail that can be drifted for windage, paired with rear cocking serrations on the slide.
Controls include a heel-type magazine catch and a manual safety. The checkered walnut grip panels are without medallions, in keeping with early production. The included steel magazine features a long witness slot, a circular follower button, and a forward-toe floorplate, supporting a 10+1 capacity.