AntiqueDr/ JudgeColt ???
I'm considering picking up a pre war .22 plinking pistol. I've narrowed my choices to either a Hi Standard B or an early Pre/Woodsman. It's to be a shooter. Could either of you advise a reasonable price range for a mechanically sound but worn finish specimen? Any advice on what to look for in mechanical problems would be appreciated.
Thanks
Woods
Edited by - woodsrunner on 06/10/2002 00:44:03
Thanks
Woods
Edited by - woodsrunner on 06/10/2002 00:44:03
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How worn is worn? Either the Colt or HS can be had with no finish for around $200 or less, and then the price rises as the percentage of finish increases. You have to get to around $400 before you start to see nice-appearing pistols with either. Often with no-finish pistols, the stocks are wrong, the sights are messed up, and other problems of originality and function may be present.
A Pre-Woodsman in unmodified form is not adapted for High Speed ammunition. A High Speed main spring conversion housing is hard to find, and will probably equal or exceed the cost of a no-finish pistol. A later Woodsman (serial number 80,000 to 85,000 for complete phase-in, about circa 1931) might be a better choice as it would have the High Speed housing, and could shoot High Speed ammunition. The cost would be somewhat less than a comparable Pre-Woodsman. The Standard Speed housing has a cross-hatched patch on the housing and the High Speed housing has horizontal lines in the patch area.
In my opinion, the HS is not nearly as attractive a pistol as the Colt. Original magazines for either are scarce and expensive.
How much do you expect to shoot a pistol that could be up to 87 years old? I am not sure it would be easy to find parts for either the Colt or HS if needed. Neither pistol is fragile, and will take a lot of shooting. Both have slides that tend to peen the barrel extension to a degree with a lot of shooting.0 -
JudgeColt;
Thanks for your responce. I should clarify, Over the years I've accumulated several pre-war firearms. I've found the worn or refinished pieces more fun to have because I don't have to worry so much about minor scratches etc. I was thinking something in the 60-70% range. I would rather stay away from refinished pieces as they are more difficult to sell later on if I decide to trade up. My vintage .22's never see any ammunition other than Remington subsonics or CCI CB's. I realize I would be limited to the subsonics with a Pre-Woodsman. My Triple Lock has seen about 350-400 rds through it total in ten years of ownership. I would estimate a .22 being more tempting to shoot would probably see about 500 rds a year. I also should have been more clear that a Woodsman (not pre-) is also acceptable. I also agree with you that the Colt is much more desirable. I'm willing to settle for a HS after shooting one a friend owns. My big concern is what to look for in the area of problems so I don't have to worry about parts right away.
Thanks again
Woods
How big a boy are ya?0 -
Not much to add to the Judge's reply.
On either pistol, I would suggest careful examination of the breech face for signs of peening and also to ensure the chamber mouth has not been deformed from dryfiring. It would also be a good idea to replace the recoil spring/retracting rod spring as a matter of course and while the pistol is stripped check the frame/stop lugs for peening from excessive slide velocity.
We buy, sell and trade quality guns and scopes!Master Dealer for Kimber, Wilson Combat and Dan Wesson.Visit our website at www.ApaxEnterprises.com0 -
Gentlemen thank you for your expertise. Most of my experience is with single shot rifles. I knew you both could help.
Woods0
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