New to Woodsmans, but have shot a couple. What are the better series for a shooter (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? Anything to look out for?

The Colt Woodsman is my favorite pistol. I have used an older version the most.

Mine has a 6" barrel.

These days I only use my Woodsman for target practice and woods hunting.

I like mine.

I prefer the 4 inch barrels, just because they carry nicer. I also like the smaller squared grip of the first series over the longer grip of the second and third, mostly because they hide/carry mo betta. Fellers with bigger hands may not. The push button mag release of the second trumps the bottom latch of the first and third. For carry in a shoulder rig, any model without a thumbrest grip panel to dig into the ol' ribs. The eliason sights of the third beats the accro's of the second. I actually prefer the bead-sighted first series models over ANY of the patridge styles...... factory mags most always run better than the aftermarkets, but are scarce and pricey. First series don't hold open on the last shot(neither do the economy models. challenger, huntsman, targetsman).

Pretty sure you'll pay more for a 2nd Edition. Overall, the most sought after Woodsman and most difficult to find. Typically, they'll all out-shoot the great majority of pistoleros.




DMc

dmc, you know how much I love that pistol, man...








But..., if you would bob the frame to take first series mags and grips, chitcan the bulky accro, dispose of the thumbrest panel, replace the fugly straight second series trigger with the early long, curved, sexy first series trigger, only then, would you really have a nice shooter.......grin

P.S.
ya also gotta get a period rawhide-laced Heiser to stick it in......

I disagree....You seem to have forgotten all about the 1st series Bullseye Match Targets with elephant ear walnut.......

You'd like it even more, if it was the 4 inch MT....grin


nice plinkers EE and Dmc. I'm jealous. Only because I sold my second series pistols off, and have never replaced them.

Huntsman22 pretty much summed it up... I prefer the 2nd series, which has the 1911 like magazine release. If buying i would opt for the shorter barrel for woods walking.

Jerry

I agree that Huntsman summed it up pretty good. The 1st series are my favorites due to the grips- they fit my hand better. 4" barrels are my favorite too for carry reasons. On the other hand, the 3rd series 6" target model with thumb rest is a delight too, but doesn't carry as well with that thumb rest. Bottom line, close your eyes and pick one. They're all good.

I scarfed up a pair of the Series 1 government WWII Woodsman grips- the plastic ones that are reminiscent of the elephant ear grips. I'm really liking them on mine, but I fear for them to break where they overhang the bottom of the frame so they only get used on "special occasions".

When they slam the lid shut on my coffin, my Woodsman better be in there with me!

I prefer 2nd series. But I like them all..

Don't sell the economy models short. They's all good shooters....

couple Huntsmans.

Hunts,

2nds'll shoot and just about any period Colt .22 of the same lineage. Like I said, most of em, better than the shooter holding it.





DMc

PS: Won't argue about a Heiser!

I have both the second and third series and believe the second is the best of the series . I now have replaced the Plastic Grips on the second series with custom walnut from Hogue, but haven't taken a photo yet. The third series has the NP-3 finish

I haven't changed the grips on mine simply because I like to stay with original on most stuff and I seldom change grips. That said, I like the Hogue Walnuts on yours and Huntsman's ivories on his very much. They really dress both pistols up.

Damn it. And the list gets longer and longer.

Uno Mas Mi Amigo.







DMc

Don't know a lot about these, but found this on consignment in a local shop and thought I should buy it...

made in 1920

The Woodsman, or in this case pre woodsman, has John Browning quality design and Colt quality manufacturing.

Now standing in one corner of a boxing ring with a .22 caliber Colt automatic pistol, shooting a bullet weighing only 40 grains and with a striking energy of 51 foot pounds at 25 feet from the muzzle, I will guarantee to kill either [boxer] Gene [Tunney] or Joe Louis before they get to me from the opposite corner. -Ernest Hemingway 1938

I own a second series 4" that I bought from a dying Outdoorsman.......promised him I would pass it on to my son when I was through with it. Been a great little companion gun in the woods.

I think I just orgasmed in my pants a little.....

I still have the original grips but changed them because I'm Left Hand and the right hand thumb rest sucks for a southpaw shooter . Here is the Woodsman with new Walnut Grips

That ugly cardboard thingy on the left...., original 64yo shipping carton.



DMc

Here is the Colt Woodsman Bullseye Match Target with the elephant ear grips. I say it's the best looking handgun ever made.

gun porn


love it

Certainly some danged impressive accoutrements.

Very nice.

Wonder what a Woodsman would cost today if Colt re-manufactured it? Wonder why the Japanese haven't duplicated it like so many of the fine rifles they've done? Maybe their handgun laws are prohibitive?


DMc

My grandfather's retirement gift from Graybar Electric in 1964. The year I was born. Still have the box/target/manual/ Ellison sights manual etc and receipt ($99.90)

No, not for sale.

You guys kill me...nice.

Never forgive myself - a $400-$450 4" MT, ANIB.