This one circa 1950 is asking $1395.00...

https://www.gunsamerica.com/968143011/271AA-COLT-WOODSMAN-2ND-MODEL-MATCH-TARGET.htm

 

Those are two different animals.

 

It really depends on condition. I have seen stone cold new in box get $5,000+. I have seen well used shooters get under $1,000. Pictures would really help, but the $1,850 price tag is not unreasonable.

 

If both guns were the same condition then the 1940 gun is worth more. 1940 would be a first series Match Target. You need to make sure that the grips aren’t cracked, they alone are worth $500-600.

 

as others stated, condition is everything and as Winston also indicated, originality is also. If all original (especially the stocks) and I cracked and bluing good, then the price is good. Any of the aforementioned not just right and they’re making more than they should.
the 1st series in excellent condition will demand high prices. correct and original box and extras send the price really high.

 

This thread is in the wrong Forum,,,,,

First Series Match Target

Second Series Match Target

 

Assuming it's genuinely 95% condition, and the grips are original and undamaged, I would jump on that in a heartbeat.

 

And comes with the correct 3 line address 'Match Target' magazine.

Regards,
Tom Platt
prewoodsman@gmail.com

 

The most informative and an excellent website is Bob Rayburn's:
www.colt22.com
You will spend plenty of time there...

Regards,
Tom Platt
prewoodsman@gmail.com

 

Tom is correct. Bob Rayburn’s website is the best Colt Woodsman resource out there. As far as books on the Colt Woodsman, there really aren’t any. If you can find one of Bob Rayburn’s pocket guides (same info as his website) but they are out of print.

 

Okay found out the Huntsman Match Target has repair in the grip with a screw escutcheon. The magazine just says Colt Cal 22 L R. Not sure I even want to pursue, obviously overpriced now. Any price for making this a good buy? Does the magazine have to say Match Target to be original? Haven’t seen it yet so don’t know how the repair looks
Also saw a pre woodsman that just says Colt Automatic made in 1922 with a 6.5” barrel, wood grip at 90% for $800.00 . How is this for a shooter and desirability?

 

The suggestion above will answer the many questions that come up about the Colt Woodsman line of pistols.

 

Here’s mine. I paid 3,000 for it 4 months ago from a LGS with the box.

 

Here’s mine. I paid 3,000 for it 4 months ago from a LGS with the box.
View attachment 764311
View attachment 764312 View attachment 764313

Wow, that’s beautiful. Would you rate condition in the high nineties? Who is LGS?

 

'LGS' = Local Gun Shop...

 

Any 1st Series Woodsman 'Bullseye' Match Target is hard to beat. A couple of observations....
And, I am not knocking Swamp Yankee's "Bullseye" Match Target but wanted to point out the aftermarket replacement large Stock Mounting Screw (it is Blue) and what looks like crack repaired Elephant Ear Stocks.

Regards,
Tom Platt.
prewoodsman@gmail.com

 

Any 1st Series Woodsman 'Bullseye' Match Target is hard to beat. A couple of observations....
And, I am not knocking Swamp Yankee's "Bullseye" Match Target but wanted to point out the aftermarket replacement large Stock Mounting Screw (it is Blue) and what looks like crack repaired Elephant Ear Stocks.

Regards,
Tom Platt.
prewoodsman@gmail.com

Found a nice 1940’s Woodsman but it has plastic grips. How hard and expensive is it to replace with original wood? Or maybe aftermarket?

 

Couple questions while the experts are gathered around. I scored this 90/95% Series 2 couple days back for $400.

The grips are plastic. Is this correct?

Two mags. One marked Colt 22 LR and the second 22 LR otherwise look identical. Is the second one after market?

Thanks in advance and wish you all a great Xmas.

 

Couple questions while the experts are gathered around. I scored this 90/95% Series 2 couple days back for $400.

The grips are plastic. Is this correct?

Two mags. One marked Colt 22 LR and the second 22 LR otherwise look identical. Is the second one after market?

Thanks in advance and wish you all a great Xmas.

View attachment 764369

Your Woodsman is a 3rd Series 6" Match Target with heel Magazine Catch, 1955-1977.
Black Plastic Grips until 1960, Walnut thereafter.
I would say both magazines are original Factory Colt. But a photo of both would confirm.

Regards,
Tom Platt
prewoodsman@gmail.com

 

Thank you prewoodsman, that is good information and the reason I frequent this great website. I always wanted one and that one was for sale locally. I haven't shot it yet and knew the stock was cracked. I just oiled it up and put it in the safe. I'm away for a few days for Christmas, and don't have anymore pictures but when I get back I can post some more and pictures of the box.

 

Wow, nice March Target! Good score.

 

And I would agree "Good Score"

Regards,
Tom Platt
prewoodsman@gmail.com

 

FWIW, 2 Colt Woodsman Match Targets went for $4200 and $4400 at auction last weekend. Both were MT serial #s and listed as NRA "Excellent". Original boxes, paperwork, hanging tags, etc. Shipping dates of 1939 and 1941. Super nice if you can spend the $$.

 

Ii’s a tough time to buy collectibles that are in high demand especially at auction, great time to sell. I think a lot of people could not or would not travel because of Covid and decided instead to spend their money to add to their collections. I recently sold several rare bamboo rods that were all original in great shape for double what I paid for them 3 years ago We moved to Bozeman MT during Covid after our fishing trip to New Zealand got canceled and the value of our riverfront home in Northern Michigan skyrocketed. All that being said I have seen nice Match Targets go from $1,800 to $2,500. Of course no box or tag and some didn’t have correct magazine Granted, I new at this but I think the way I’m gonna find my MT is at a gun show or LGS not an auction. too much exporsure to too many buyers. Just my 2 cents.
BTW, does any member out there live in Montana?

 

Online auctions set the price at gun shows and local gun shops these days. Almost all “local” auctions conducted by most auctioneers are now held online only or online and in person in combination.

A local auction company in my area is auctioning 3000+ guns owned by a man who just died. The first online auction of 1000 guns was for the lower quality guns, but many brought surprisingly high prices. The next two auctions will be for the high end stuff. Should be interesting.

Face it, the likelihood of getting a bargain below current market price is slim. Buy now or pay more later.

 

I have a Series 1 MT (actually I have three additional MT's with elephant ear grips[one in original box with tools]) that has no target rings on the flat and has "Geo. Elliason" engraved/stamped on the right barrel side with the sn engraved/stamped on the forward side of the grip. Additionally the grips have a non-slip treatment. G. Elliason was a Colt employee that designed a rear sight used on the MT and on Colt Commanders. It is in VG shape; I am waiting for the return of a Colt Archive letter. I suspect this is a special piece built by Colt for Mr. Elliason. Does anyone have any information about this firearm?

 

Sorry; name is on the left side rearward of where the target would have been and by the non-slip treatment and SN engraving I meant it to be on the frame inside of nice wood grips with a thumb rest.

 

Pictures would be helpful.

Regards,
Tom Platt
prewoodsman@gmail.com
www.colt22.com

 

Please post some pic’s of the pistol. I’m a fan of George and his time at Colt’s.