As expected, though, finding an original Colt Woodsman magazine doesn't come cheap. One in nice condition typically runs $100 or more and that's used, since Colt hasn't produced Woodsman mags in a long time, now. Yeah, kind of crazy, but that's the world of vintage Colts.
So, I stopped by our favorite LGS today and found this. It's not a Woodsman, but pretty close. It's a Colt Targetsman 22 auto. Both the Targetsman (economy grade adjustable sights) and the Huntsman (fixed sights) were the economy alternatives to the Woodsman, but other than the sights, the only significant difference with the Woodsman, is no last shot hold open in the Targetsman/Huntsman. Serial number dates it to 1967.
What caught my eye on this one was mainly the extra magazine (same as a Woodsman), of course. Still, the walnut grips (an optional upgrade, same grips as the Woodsman, very collectible), not to mention the box, original papers and receipt (also collectible) made for a really nice Colt.
When I saw the price, though, I was a little shocked. Only $350? No way. Had to be a mistake. The two magazines, walnut grips, box and papers alone were with that. On top of it all, sitting there in the box, I could see absolutely no handling wear.
At that point, my buddies at the shop were smiling and told me to wait a minute. They turned it over and, well, what a shame.
Took it home, anyway. The way I figured it, I bought two magazines, wood grips and a collectible box and papers for $350 and got a gun for free.
Okay, that's a stretch, but this otherwise minty Colt 22 auto shoots great (already took it out to test fire). It has the same feel and balance as a Woodsman, as it should. After all, it really is basically a Woodsman, just one minus a couple of features. Given its scars, I'll shoot it all I want and not worry about it. Having this sweet Colt will save wear and tear on my minty Woodsman, too. Notice the price on the box. Gotta love it.
