Colt Woodsman Match Target Questions About Date of Manufacture

[magic]

I am trying to date my Woodsman, but it has some distinct differences from the information I have found to identify a second series gun. It is definitely a second series, it has the magazine thumb release behind the trigger, Coltwood grips, etc. However, it does not have a housing lock pin. I have not found definitive information about the date which the housing lock pin was added, just that it was shortly after the post war Woodsman was introduced. My serial number is a 4 digit xxxx-s. Colt's website lists the model as being either a 1949 or 1969 model. It can't possibly be a 1969, and since the 1948 instructions explain the housing lock pin, the feature must have been around in 1948, I just don't know when in 1948. So, my thought is that it is early 1948, possibly late 1947. If anyone happens to know when the housing lock pin was added, it would be helpful.

I never really thought I would like a .22 pistol very much, but I love this gun. I have no intentions of ever selling it, so I don't really NEED to know more about it badly enough to pay Colt $75 for a certificate. I just wanted to find out what I can for my own personal knowledge. If anyone has any information, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[Dframe]

You can call Colt at 800 962-COLT (2658). They will tell you year of manufacture at no cost. For additional information you'll have to pay for a colt letter.

 

[magic]

I seem to recall that I did call them when I got the Woodsman. I thought I was told they wouldn't be able to tell me anything more that the online serial lookup does, without paying for the research service. Maybe I was mistaken, I'll try to call them again tomorrow and see what they say. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll report back the results.

 

[hardluk1]

Didn't you ask this on another forum. Its a '48 to ' 49 with a 4 $\# with a -s
http://www.colt22.com/dates.html

 

[magic]

I don't know, did I? If I did, it would have been around a year ago and you're memory is better than mine, because I don't remember!