The classic Colt 22 auto, the Woodsman

[North Country Gal]

There's just something so classic and timeless in appeal when to vintage Colt handguns. Yeah, I got the vintage Colt bug after finding and shooting my Colt Officer Model 22 LR revolver. I've never had its equal in a 22 LR revolver.

When I found this vintage Colt Woodsman at our LGS, then, I could not walk away.


It's one of the last of the Colt Woodsman semi autos. This is a third series Woodsman Target (6" barrel) made in 1976. Colt discontinued the Woodsman in 1977 due to manufacturing expense. The Woodsman was actually a John Browning design, later modified by Colt, back when Colt began producing it in 1915. No coincidence, then, that the Woodsman and the old Browning steel 22 autos are similar.


Yeah, the Woodsman is as old school machined steel gun as it gets. You can feel it just by picking it up and holding the Woodsman in your hand. Although this one is the Target model, it has the feel and balance that just begs to be carried in a holster for small game hunting. Not at all muzzle heavy, slim and elegant as a 22 pistol can be.


And, of course, it shoots. This one did not care for CCI SV. Didn't always cycle, correctly, though. I switched to Mini mags and different story. Perfect cycling. The Woodsman loved 'em. After several shots at the 18 yards I was shooting, I had to drop the elevation a few clicks, but after that, shooting one hand or two, it was hard to miss the 3" bull. Felt like the Woodsman was glued to the target and practically shooting on its own.


A Woodsman and a Colt Officer Model Target make a nice pair of vintage Colt 22s. Doesn't get any better in vintage 22 handguns.

[Cofisher]

I have a soft place in my heart that really wants one of those woodsmen. I shot a friend's 10 years ago and have never found anything that felt so good. Thanks for a great write-up, it's inspiring.

[Sir Henry]

I’ve always wanted one.

[Ernie]

My Father bought a target model in the early 70s and I loved that gun. Made sure he understood that I wanted it. I inherited it and it is one pistol I will never sell. Yours is in better shape than mine because I was toting it around the woods and shot it a lot.
I always keep an eye out for another, I found a Colt Challenger which is close but does not have the wood grip and it came home with me.

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Then I found a sport model and it joined the group.

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Later I got a couple of Brownings that pushed that button but they are not quite the Woodsman.

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Nice post, nice gun and nice shooting.
PS. I found out the hard way how difficult it is to reassemble. I worked on it for a couple days and ended up paying a gunsmith to get the last part fitted. He warned me against doing it again.

[Hatchdog]

Great reports NCG and Ernie and man what fine pictures. Love those old school rimfire semi’s.

My son has a Woodsman given to him by his grandfather on his mother’s side. Unfortunately it has a slight bulge in the barrel from some mishap in the past but it doesn’t affect function. His has been carried in the woods a lot by past owners and shows quite a bit of wear but it’s still a classic good shooting pistol.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, guys. Ernie, those are some fine vintage 22 auto pistols. Very nice collection.

I began shooting semi-auto 22 pistols with a Ruger Standard, way back in the 70s. I was amazed at. how accurate that pistol was and, of course, you can't wear out a Ruger Mark pistol. It never had the legendary status of a Woodsman or the classic look, though, plus the Woodsman was pricey. Always wanted one, though. Guess it took awhile, but now I do.

[daytime dave]

I’ve always wanted one.

I'm with Gene on this one. I've never found one in the shape I wanted. I guess I should have not been so picky.

Awesome Colt's and Brownings.

[North Country Gal]

The Woodsman and the vintage Brownings are not commonly found for sale. I go years and years without seeing them. Just grabbed this Woodsman when I saw it. Thought it would pair up nice with the vintage Colt DA 22 revolver. It's definitely a joy to shoot either if you love old school guns.

[daytime dave]

Boy, that's funny. I've seen around five different woodsmans in the last five or so years here and there. I have never seen a Browning though.

I guess it might be regional. All the Colt's appeared ridden hard and put away wet, with the exception of one. It may still be there. I'll re-visit it perhaps.

[DsGrouse]

I have one like it.

[North Country Gal]

You sure do. very nice.

[dave77]

I have a Browning Challenger II. After a bit of hunting I even found the receipt, bought new in 1983 for $235. I like it, it shoots well and seems very accurate but I've never shot one of the Colts or Rugers to compare. Even though I like it and have had it for a long time it is still in excellent condition. I would guess it's had less than 500 rounds through it.

[BrokenolMarine]

I have the Smith 41, the gun we often shot in matches on Marine Pistol Teams.
I'll try and post a pic when I get back to the desktop.

[DsGrouse]

You sure do. very nice.

the original box and grips are safely stowed away.

[North Country Gal]

I have the Smith 41, the gun we often shot in matches on Marine Pistol Teams.
I'll try and post a pic when I get back to the desktop.

The 41 is such a great pistol. To get the equivalent in a Woodsman, you have to step up to the Match Target with the heavy flat side barrel and those are now very expensive. Another plus for the 41 is that it is still in production, so parts, especially magazines, and service are still available.

In terms of shooting value, though, I've owned a S&W Victory and it was right there with the 41 for accuracy. You just can't beat the Victory for value.

And then there is the Ruger Mark. In terms of durability, it still can't be beat. I'm currently modding an early Mark II Target. When it's done, I fully expect it to outshoot the Woodsman.

[Ernie]

I shot my dad's Ruger Mark II way back when and I didn't like the balance. Seemed too heavy compared to the Woodsman. Today I handled a MK IV 75th anniversary model and it felt much better and has an adjustable rear sight. I am also happy with the take down button instead of the difficult wrestling match I had with the earlier Marks. I laid it away for a couple weeks and will then be the proud owner. I hope it matches the durability and accuracy of the earlier models.

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[North Country Gal]

Looks good, Ernie. I have no experience with the MK IV, so I would be very interested in knowing how it works for you.

[Coach]

I have a Woodsman. Very top of the picture. It was my Grandfather’s.

[North Country Gal]

That would be an earlier series (vintage) of Woodsman, but those are highly desirable for collectors. You also have some other very fine guns, there. Thanks for sharing. Love the Smiths.