You're afraid to shoot a High Standard but think it's reasonable to shoot a 3 digit Match Target in matches for a year? Those grips alone are worth about $1,000 and fairly fragile. I'd definitely get something a little less pristine and collectible to shoot at the matches. I don't think there's a bad choice between the High Standard, Model 41, or a second or third generation Match Target. Pick whatever barrel length you prefer. I'd go for longer personally.

 

Why not look at a bullseye grade .22 Conversion Unit to put on top of either your Wilson .45 or 9mm.
There are a couple of good ones out there that are highly touted for accuracy, Marvel Precision and Nelson Custom. I shoot a Marvel Precision Unit 1 and have it mounted on a Norinco M1911A1 lower. Either of the mentioned Conversion Unit's can be had with optic only or iron sight top rails. Both function exactly like a S&W Model 41 and will be significantly cheaper.
On my pic, click on it to enlarge. Note the target. Thats shot at 20 yards with the optic. Accuracy is superb.

 

Wow, never thought of that route. Your pistol looks great. But I like the idea of getting a dedicated 22 to shoot, something that my wife can use that looks nice, is accurate, and is also fun to shoot. She is finally going to learn how to shoot, as is my 11 year old girl. So I don't mind getting something for them to learn on, and for me to use for plate as well. Something nice enough that she will give to her kids to learn on. Which is why the Match Target is looking more and more like the right call here. I don't mind spending $1,500 or even 2 grand for something that could end up being in my family for two generations.

 

I appreciate the Woodsman but the grip angle bothered me for shooting. Go with a Model-41 and you won't be disappointed.

 

I'm with Rick on this one. The 41 is awesome. The trigger is such a joy. Guys like the earlier ones because the fit and finish "seems" better. The sights were nicer IMHO too. Pre-1978 guns have a cocking indicator. The 5 inch heavy barrel came out in 1963. There are some 41's that are troublesome. Later ones seem to have more trouble but your mileage may vary.

Mine was made in 1966 and runs flawless on standard velocity ammunition.

 

I'm with Rick on this one. The 41 is awesome. The trigger is such a joy. Guys like the earlier ones because the fit and finish "seems" better. The sights were nicer IMHO too. Pre-1978 guns have a cocking indicator. The 5 inch heavy barrel came out in 1963. There are some 41's that are troublesome. Later ones seem to have more trouble but your mileage may vary.

Mine was made in 1966 and runs flawless on standard velocity ammunition.

Doug,

I guess it's the 41 then. Depending on how you answer the next two questions. I would shoot this at plate once every eight weeks or so, all other matches are big bore or 9mm. You begin at low ready with a round in the chamber with the safety on. At the buzzer, you come up, sweep off the safety, then fire at the first plate. Yellow first. Then any of the whites, then the red plate last. Two guys, two plate racks, one winner. I can clear six plates in six seconds. First plate down in 1.3 (one second and 30/100ths) with splits of .80 to .85 hundredth's split thereafter. And a bit faster with my 9mm Supergrade.

1. How easy it it to flick the safety off? I have to be able to sweep that safety off real fast - can I do that on that little bitty safety release? Can the 41's safety be flicked off by sweeping your shooting hand's thumb downward like on a 1911? The Match Target seems to have a larger safety release.
2. I know some of these can tolerate hotter ammo. But most shoot CCI standard pressure best. Natchez has 5,000 CCI Standard Velocity Rimfire 40 grain LRN (lead round nose) at 1070 fps for only $250 a box. Is this the ammo you guys are talking about? Or does the 41 like jacket'ed ammo. I have 15,000 rounds of CCI HP which I cannot use in the Model 41. But can with a Match Target...

 

I do shoot all my guns, and maybe it's my limited budget talking, but it seems a shame to really crank the ammo tnrough a 3 digit Woodsman Target in steel target matches. That's a beautiful gun. Either way, thanks for sharing the picture.

 

To answer your 2 questions:
1) The Model 41 safety is notoriously stiff. Most users don't bother to use it for this reason. The Colt Match Target has a larger and easy to operate thumb safety.
2) The Model 41 is a premium target pistol. Standard velocity only on mine, but i suppose if you want to use a recoil buffer you could shoot HV in it, but I personally wouldn't. I've tried several brands of standard velocity .22, but I always seem to come back to CCI.

 

Thanks, so the 40 grain lead round nose or some other standard velocity CCI that I am not seeing on my usual online sellers? If the safety is stiff, can that be fixed by constant use via dry fire? I can't shoot plate unless that safety is on prior to the buzzer. I have strong hands, so is it something that could simply be muscled into the off position at the buzzer? Or maybe a smith can resolve?

Thanks so much for the help here guys!

 

I can't answer your question about the Model 41 thumb safety. I don't use any of mine in competition and because the thumb safety is stiff I don't use the safety. I prefer the .22 Conversion Unit route for my Bullseye League matches as I can use the already customized lower .45ACP frame with the slick trigger job, and then use the same pistol as a .45ACP in the 3 gun 2700 matches.
I've used Federal Target, Eley Match, RWS Match all without issue in my Model 41's. CCI SV (standard velocity) is more common in stores up here than anything else, and is reasonably priced.

 

I can't answer your question about the Model 41 thumb safety. I don't use any of mine in competition and because the thumb safety is stiff I don't use the safety. I prefer the .22 Conversion Unit route for my Bullseye League matches as I can use the already customized lower .45ACP frame with the slick trigger job, and then use the same pistol as a .45ACP in the 3 gun 2700 matches.
I've used Federal Target, Eley Match, RWS Match all without issue in my Model 41's. CCI SV (standard velocity) is more common in stores up here than anything else, and is reasonably priced.

View attachment 588515 View attachment 588517 View attachment 588519

In the middle picture, what is that piece of metal that is hanging down? This question proves that I am brand new to the 22 rimfire world. At least in my adult life. As a 14 year old, I would take my Ruger Model 10/22 carbine and shoot it from a railroad bridge - a trestle that was 40 feet above a slow moving river. Trains had stopped using it years ago, but it was sturdy and safe. I would bring a Santa Clause size bag of empty cans and bottles and hurl them upstream, then either shoot them as the approached, or, after they had floated under the bridge, way off into the distance, at least 100 yards. Great because one hit and they would sink. I could see where I missed, this using iron sites. Lots of fond memories of that shooting set up for sure.

I am taking this all in, and seeing you guys post pics of your multiple pistols and thinking why not get both? So there it is, that was easy. I have six or seven weeks to get my plate gun, practice and get ready for 22 rim fire night. I love the look of the six inch WMT 824rsv shows in post 12. And exited to see how I shoot it. To Ricks point below, I will likely shoot my 1938, but take care of it as well.

I keep on coming up with questions, here is another. It's bad to dry fire any rimfire, but how about using snap caps? Load my mag up with snap caps and dry fire as much as I want? My success in plate is in some part due to dry fire. Hoping I can do the same with my 41 and second or third generation WMT. Here is a pistol I will never fire. Scott is a much better photographer than I...

 

I agree with Rick about the grip angle on the Colt Woodsman Match target. I can shoot both the Model 41 and the Woodsman Match Target reasonably well but if push came to shove I would prefer the S&W. Not taking anything away from the Woodsman, it's a fine pistol. The thumb safety works easily as well.

 

I've owned and shot the snot out of several Model 41's....thousands of rounds. I used Remington gold tip hi-speed exclusively. I never had a malfunction or a broken part and I could bounce a beer can in thr air. I was so confident with the 41 that I even carried it for awhile. The target grips didn't conceal very well but I could pick off buttons from your shirt at 21 feet! I'm not recommending hi-speed but I never had a problem. Lastly, your MTW has been shot and taken care of so shoot it if you want.... just take care of it.

PS. The safety is small and stiff but if it's required, you can get a replacement and have a smith weld a speed safety extension on it. I think the standard safety is easy once you get used to it but you have options.

 

I shoot about 15 or so different make target .22 autos and this would be my suggestion. For your competition program I would get the Nelson Conversion for one of your 1911 type frames. You already know the grip angle, safety, trigger, etc. so no questions there.

With the Nelson conversion you have the easy option of a weaver rail or iron sights. Bullseye shooters love them, and so do I.

 

My Supergrade triggers are phenomenal. To the point that just about anyone who shoots them tells me they have some of the best triggers they have ever shot. So perhaps I already have a better trigger than what I would get on a Model 41. But people rave about the Model 21 trigger. Is this because the Model 21 uses the exact 1911 trigger design, sized to the Model 21's frame?

 

Change the grips out on the Match Target and shoot it. I have one and shoot it pretty regularly and with the elephant ear grips. Call me crazy but that was what it was made for. It sounds like you bought it for that and then let the seller talk you out of using it.

All of the other guns being suggested are great guns as are many of the other Woodsman that are out there for purchase. My favorite is a 1921 pre Woodsman that is crazy accurate. At least take the one you purchased out and try it. If nothing else just to say you shot it.

 

In the 1980's I joined a club and shot bullseye pistol league. I was proud to have my new to me Colt Woodsmen. I shot pretty good for a young guy with good eyesight, but many of the more experienced shooters said, I can't believe you are shooting that gun every Tuesday, I replied that is why a bought it to shoot it ! A few weeks later I bought a S&W model 41 with 4 mags, the seller bought a Browning Medalist , we were both happy. I still have both guns. Life is good. But your Woodsmen is much more valuable than mine was way back then, so I would probably not shoot it, and buy a 41 or similar.

Craig

 

Hey Shortgun,

I have never used the safety either. The gun was designed to punch paper so I don't think the safety was given great priority. The Model 41 safety pushes downward with your thumb just like a Woodsman but the lever is very small and not the easiest to turn off. I would also say the Colt is a bit easier but neither is as positive as the 1911 safety works. You would have to practice with it but I don't know what it would do to your most excellent times. Part of this game seems to be able to sweep the safety off gracefully while acquiring the target quickly. Practice, practice...practice.

I too use standard velocity CCI in my gun with great results but I have several bricks of Aguila Target Competition 40 grain that I have bought very cheap. I just have not had time to try it yet.

BTW. Tension on the safety lever can be modified by adjusting the safety spring plate under the grip panel. Adjustment of the bend in the step or polishing the tab on the back of the step may help. To make mine a bit lighter, I just loosened the screw in the plate about 1/4 of a turn. Seemed to help without further modification. Also check for a "shiny" spot on the inside of the grip panel....the panel may be in contact with the lever and exerting some pressure on the lever when the grips are in place, and tightened.

Best Regards,
Doug

 

Hey Shortgun,

I have never used the safety either. The gun was designed to punch paper so I don't think the safety was given great priority. The Model 41 safety pushes downward with your thumb just like a Woodsman but the lever is very small and not the easiest to turn off. I would also say the Colt is a bit easier but neither is as positive as the 1911 safety works. You would have to practice with it but I don't know what it would do to your most excellent times. Part of this game seems to be able to sweep the safety off gracefully while acquiring the target quickly. Practice, practice...practice.

I too use standard velocity CCI in my gun with great results but I have several bricks of Aguila Target Competition 40 grain that I have bought very cheap. I just have not had time to try it yet.

BTW. Tension on the safety lever can be modified by adjusting the safety spring plate under the grip panel. Adjustment of the bend in the step or polishing the tab on the back of the step may help. To make mine a bit lighter, I just loosened the screw in the plate about 1/4 of a turn. Seemed to help without further modification. Also check for a "shiny" spot on the inside of the grip panel....the panel may be in contact with the lever and exerting some pressure on the lever when the grips are in place, and tightened.

Best Regards,
Doug

View attachment 588529

Wow, thanks for that post - you really know these pistols. In answer to your next question, yes, I just now purchased another WMT,

 

I shoot each week and my Model 41 is always with me at the range. It is by far the finest .22 auto I have ever had the pleasure of shooting.

 

My new plate shooter: a "unfired in box" 1967 WMT!

https://www.gunbroker.com/Item/778565492

That said, perhaps my 1938 will make a quick appearance at a future plate match.

 

That "metal" under the barrel is a barrel weight. They clamped on and could hold internal weights to adjust the balance. Notice the aluminum muzzle break too. They were available for the classic 7 3/8" barrel which was discontinued around 1978.

 

Shortgun...Did you just buy another Colt MT? LOL!

 

My new plate shooter: a "unfired in box" 1967 WMT! ​

Very good choice.

​

 

My new plate shooter: a "unfired in box" 1967 WMT! ​

Very good choice.

I thought so too. The pictures are not as nice as Lumberjack's pictures, but from what I see, it really is a nice pistol. I was not about to take a fully papered and boxed pistol off the collectors market and turn it into a shooter. Per the item description, this is "unfired". It would be implausible that this was really an old worn out pistol, which someone then removed the old finish, polished it real nice, then applied a quality reblue. I would be able to spot a reconditioned well worn gun by inspecting it no? Not that I am an expert, but since the barrels are part of the frame, it would be impossible to rebarrel and recondition the bore and other internals to make it appear to be "new and unfired". Right?

Nope, this pistol is legit, and I will be the first owner. I will treat it right because I have big plans for this one. It will be the pistol my wife and daughter learns to shoot with, and also be my main plate gun, unless it gets replaced with a Model 41. But even after all that, it will be still be nice enough to pass down my grandchildren to use. And old enough to escape any future mass confiscation hopefully.

 

I also shoot in .22 steel plate matches. We shoot 5 stages with each stage having about 20 - 30 plates to knock over. For the stock pistol class, I use a 1949 vintage Colt Woodsman 2nd model Match Target equipped with a set of Lew Sanderson target grips and 5 "tombstone" mags for reloading. For the revolver class, I use a 1948 vintage S&W K22 with Altamont grips, speed loaders for fast reloading! The most entertaining of all for me is the stock rifle class. I use a Remington Nylon 66 equipped with a peep sight. I use small plastic tubes preloaded with 10 rds each for fast reloads. I can pull the follower tube, load the ammo and replace the follower tube about as fast as I can change the magazine on a Ruger 10/22! It gets lots of looks and questions!

1949 Woodsman MT

S&W 1948 K22

 

Well, it's somewhat embarrassing that a thread about Colt Woodsman's turned into a Smith 41 thread.

Cudos on your new MT. I will share a picture of mine which was made in 1971:

 

That's a fine 3rd. model MTW. Since speed seems to be a priority and the MTW is your choice, I would have looked at a 2nd. model MTW rather than a 3rd.

 

Yes, quick and easy magazine changes using the thumb magazine release like a 1911. If nothing else we are certainly enablers here....now you need a nice 2nd Series Woodsman to compliment the other 2!

 

2nd series MT, Hi Standard and S&W 41. Can't go wrong with any. However, I collect Colt's but shoot primarily shoot my HS for accuracy in my hands. It's nice to have all three, then you can see which floats your boat ( hurricane Florence is fast approaching so my mind is on wind and water). View attachment 588611

 

IMHO guns are made to enjoy and shoot! you're heirs will shoot and sell it for $50 in a yard sale!.....jmho Have Fun....Good Shooting!

 

Yes, the mag release is faster to use on a 2nd Gen. I also like to use early 3rd Gen. magazines in my 2nd Gen. Woodsman's since they are way easier to load 10 rounds into than the older "tombstone" magazines.

Here is one of my 2nd Gen MT's. Made in 1952. I shoot it often and it drives tacks. I like and use the grip adapter on the 2nd Gens. too and I prefer the 4.5 inch barrel but that is just me: