Colt Woodsman Question
Have a chance to look at the Woodsman coming up, it looks like a first series with two tone magazine, my question, does the grips look right for this gun? I need to know a little more info before I decide to buy it, condition and value, thanks marc
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr19/marcus396/fi26.jpg
EDIT, yes i see the differences, thanks
http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr19/marcus396/fi26.jpg
EDIT, yes i see the differences, thanks
0
-
I just purchased a Woodsman, ser # 781xx from a fellow who inherited it and has no knowledge of its history.Side of frame is marked Colt Automatic, cal.22 long rifle but I understand the earlier models would not handle the modern high speed long rifle cartridges unless they had been converted.What would be a safe cartridge to try initially? I'm thinking Rem-Ely match or CCI Green Tag. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks 0 -
According to Bob Rayburns site http://www.eskimo.com/~rayburn/woodsman/ it is one that dates to the early 30's. I would just use the standard velocity target .22 ammo, until you are able to verify that it has been refitted with the internal parts to be able shoot high velocity 22's. The backstrap on the grip is how you tell the difference. Refer to Rayburns site for specific details. 0 -
Suggest you try Federal Champion Target STANDARD VELOCITY. The only place I have found it is Dick's Sporting Goods (lotsa place have the HIGH velocity version)
Not sold as match ammo, but comes darn close. About $20 for 500 rds. A LOT cheaper than the match rounds, and very very consistent.0 -
No Dick's Sporting Goods where I live, but I have gotten the Federal Champion at Natchez. 0 -
Can I shoot modern ammo in it?
Short answer: Yes. BUT: Woodsmans made prior to 1933 were designed for standard velocity .22 LR. Those made after 1933 were all designed for high velocity .22 LR, with a stronger recoil spring and a case hardened mainspring housing, which is the part that takes the brunt of the recoil. The transition took place in the early part of 1933. They all will handle standard velocity ammo, which is what all target .22 LR is to this day. I do not recommend firing high velocity ammo in one of the early guns (before 1933). Just buy standard velocity ammo and use that.
If your Woodsman is pre-WWII it will have a pattern on the mainspring housing, where the web between the thumb and forefinger touches when holding the pistol in firing position. If that pattern is checkered, it was made for standard velocity ammo. If the pattern is horizontal parallel lines, it was designed for high velocity ammo. If it is a post WWII gun it will have no such pattern, because all were designed for high velocity ammo.
[img][/img]
0 -
It is my understanding that ALL early Woodsman's can be converted to shoot high velocity ammunition if the mainspring housing is changed to
the high speed style.
I haven't heard that other parts also need changing.
Please correct me if I'm wrong.0 -
v35,
Yes, first model Woodsman's can be converted to shoot high velocity ammunition. However, the trick is to find the parts. Colt hasn't made them since 1940 or thereabouts so finding the parts is unlikely. If you have one and it hasn't been converted best to just shoot standard velocity ammo as recommended by the earlier posts. I've fired high velocity ammo in some of my early Woodsman's and a few rounds didn't appear to be a problem but Colt says don't do it and a steady diet of high velocity ammo in an early Woodsman is probably not a good idea.0 -
Maybe overcautious, but to spare a gun that old, I think I would stick to standard velocity even if it had the heat treated mainspring housing. 0 -
I used to have a "stnd. vel." Woodsman and a gunsmith offered to heat treat the mainspring housing for me.
I declined; eventually traded the little pistol off; and found a nice pre-War hivel. model.
Curious if anyone has heard of that option and has any advice other than "don't mess with the old Colt!"[:D]0 -
[:)]have some fun with it and take it apart , I would not know if the correct theme would prevail but what the heck!!! 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments