Editing Colt Woodsman

{{gun
|name= Colt Woodsman
|image= Colt Woodsman.jpg
|caption= A second series Woodsman
|origin= [[USA]]
|type= [[semi-automatic]] [[plinking]] [[pistol]]
<!-- Specifications -->
|length= 
|barrel= 4-1/2, 6 or 6-5/8 inch.
|no_of_barrels= 
|weight= Approx: 1 7/8 Lbs
|width= 
|height= 
|cartridge= [[.22 Long Rifle]]
|caliber= 
|gauge= 
|action= [[Semi-automatic]]
|chambers= 
|twist= 
|ROF= 
|muzzle_velocity= 
|range= 
|max_range= 
|feed= 
|sights= 
|radius= 
<!-- Service history -->
|service= 
|used_by= 
|wars= 
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= 
|design_date= 
|manufacturer= 
|unit_cost= 
|production_date= [[1915]]-[[1977]]
|number= 
|variants= 
|notes= 
}}The '''Colt Woodsman''' is a [[Semi-automatic pistol|semi-automatic]] sporting pistol manufactured by the American [[Colt's Manufacturing Company]] from 1915 to 1977. It was designed by [[John Moses Browning]]. The frame design changed over time, in three distinct series: series one being 1915–1947, series two 1947–1955, and series three being 1955–1977.

==Series identification==
;First Series (1915-1947)
The first series Woodsman can be easily recognized by its distinctive profile, which looks a bit like the [[German Luger]] in the rakish grip angle. The [[serial number]] also provides a sure means of identification, since ''only the first series has no alphabetical suffix''. 
* If the serial number is on the frontstrap and contains only numbers, with no letters, it's a first series.
* If the ''only'' alphabetical characters in the serial number are ''MT'', it's a first series Match Target. 

;Second Series (1947-1955)
The Second Series Woodsmans are the only models that have a push button [[magazine release]], like on the [[M1911|Government 45]]. All post-[[WWII]] type Woodsmans, both Second and Third Series, have an S suffix to the serial number. Although it is part of the Second Series, the Challenger model, unlike the Woodsman, has a spring catch at the butt and a C suffix to the serial number.
* If it has a push button magazine release just behind the trigger guard, it's a second series. 
* If it is marked Challenger, it's a second series. 

;Third Series (1955-1977)
All post-WWII type Woodsmans, both Second and Third Series, have an S suffix to the serial number. Challengers, and some early Huntsmans and Targetsmans, have a -C suffix. All Third Series guns have the magazine release on the butt, in the same location as the First Series. 
* If the magazine release is at the heel of the butt AND the pistol has an S at the end of the serial number, then it's a 3rd Series.

==Resources==
{{youtube|0ivOA7xkQc4}}{{gun manuals}}
* '''[http://www.gunownersresource.com/manuals/pistols/ColtWoodsman.pdf Colt Woodsman]''' Owner's Manual, c. 2001 (4 pgs, 356 KB)
* '''[http://www.gunownersresource.com/manuals/pistols/ColtWoodsmanMatchTargetHeavyBarrel.pdf Colt Woodsman Match Target Model with heavy barrel]''' Owner's Manual (4 pgs, 387 KB)
* '''[http://www.gunownersresource.com/manuals/pistols/ColtWoodsmanTargetSport.pdf Colt Woodsman Target & Sport models]''' instructions for assembly-disassembly, cleaning (5 pgs, 295 KB)

The following diagrams are also available:
<gallery>
File:prewar Woodsman.jpg|Parts view of a 'series 1 / pre-war' woodsman, with parts legend.
File:Colt postwar Woodsman.jpg|Parts view of a postwar series, with parts legend.
File:Colt Woodsman parts.jpg|Parts view of another postwar series, with legend.
</gallery>


== See also==
* [[List of firearms]]

== External links ==
* [http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/12/colt-woodsman.html Background information]
* [http://www.colt22.com/faq.html Colt Woodsman FAQ]

{{John Browning}}
[[category:Colt .22 semi-automatic pistols]]
[[category:American .22 semi-automatic pistols]]
{{pistol-stub}}