Colt Huntsman.22 Serial Numbers

THE THREE SERIES

Colt Huntsman.22 Serial Numbers For Sale
Colt Huntsman.22 Serial Numbers List
Colt Huntsman.22 Serial Numbers Identification

There are three series of Woodsman pistols, corresponding to three basic frame designs. First Series refers to all those built on the S frame as it existed prior to and during World War Two. Second Series includes all versions built on the second S frame design from late 1947 until mid 1955, and Third Series means the third S frame design as used from 1955 to the end of regular production in 1977.

Colt Huntsman.22 Serial Numbers 5,7/10 6474votes. There are three series of Woodsman pistols, corresponding to three basic frame designs. First Series refers to all those built on the S frame as it existed prior to and during World War Two. Second Series includes all versions built on the second S frame design from late 1947 until mid 1955, and Third Series means the third S frame design as used. The Challenger will always have a C suffix to the serial number. Third Series (1955-1977) All Third Series models: Sport, Target, Match Target, Huntsman, and Targetsman, have a magazine catch at the heel of the butt.

MODELS

Each series of the Woodsman had a Sport Model with a 4-1/2 inch round barrel, a Target Model with a 6 or 6-5/8 inch round barrel, and a Match Target Model with a heavy, flat sided barrel. For the First Series Match Target that flat sided barrel was 6-5/8 inches in length, while in the post war versions it was either 4-1/2 or 6 inches.

The very similar Challenger, Huntsman, and Targetsman were attempts by Colt to meet price competition from less costly .22 pistols and were made during the post-WWII years only. The Challenger (Second Series) was replaced by the nearly identical Huntsman (Third Series) when the Third Series was introduced in 1955. The Targetsman, basically a slightly upgraded Huntsman, was added to the line in 1959.

All post-WWII type Colts built on the S frame, both Second and Third Series, including the Sport, Target, Match Target, Challenger, Huntsman, and Targetsman, have an alphabetic suffix to the serial number.

First Series (1915-1947)

The First Series Woodsman can be easily recognized by its distinctive profile, which resembles the German Luger in the rakish grip angle. The serial number also provides a sure means of identification. First Series Sport and Target models have no alphabetic prefix or suffix. The First Series Match Target has the prefix MT.

If the serial number is on the front strap and contains only numeric characters, with no alphabetic characters, it is a First Series Sport or Target. The only difference between the Sport and the Target models is the barrel length.

If the only alphabetic characters in the serial number are MT, it is a First Series Match Target.

Second Series (1947-1955)

The Second Series Woodsmans: Sport, Target, and Match Target, have a push button magazine release, as on the Government Model 45. The Challenger has a spring catch at the butt.

If it has a push button magazine release just aft of the trigger guard, it is a Second Series Woodsman Sport, Target, or Match Target.

If it is marked Challenger, it is a Second Series. Although part of the Second Series, the Challenger model has a spring catch at the butt, similar to Third Series models. The Challenger will always have a C suffix to the serial number.

Third Series (1955-1977)

All Third Series models: Sport, Target, Match Target, Huntsman, and Targetsman, have a magazine catch at the heel of the butt. In addition, they all have an alphabetic suffix to the serial number: either an S or a C.

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 is a Third Series.