Colt Coltsman rifle

H Richard · Jan 6, 2012

Is anyone familiar with the Colt "Coltsman" rifle? A friend has one he bought back in the 60's. His is a .223 and built on the Sako L461 action. I found them listed in a Standard Catalog of Firearms 2009, and they mentioned they were built by Kodiak arms for Colt between 58-66 and about 10,000 were build in .243, 308, 30-06, & 300 Win mag. No mention of the .223. He mentioned he bought it as the dealer had it marked way down as no one wanted that "odd ball" .223 caliber. (How times change).

He has never seen another one and was wondering if there was any collector interest in them.

I happen to have a Sako .222 on the same L461 action, and it is one of my favorites.

Texas Star · Jan 6, 2012

I've seen one or two, and others in photos. My objection to them was that, like Sako on some models, they slanted the forearm tip backward from how Weatherby does. I think that looks awful, and is just a stupid attempt to do things differently.

Most that I've seen in color had blond stocks. I like blonde babes, but darker wood on rifles. Just preference, and some Colt stocks are probably darker. Don't know what wood they used.

Other than these issues, I suspect that they are superb rifles.

What is the problem with the .223, if you want to shoot smaller varmints? Some states even allow their use on deer, although one has to select a bullet built for that (there are some) and place that bullet with precision; there's not much fumble room. And I wouldn't call the .223 a long range rifle. My son had trouble killing a man with it one day at about 200 meters, and a deer is as tough as most men. On the other hand, he was using a M-4 carbine, which has a barrel too short to give high velocity at long range. Closer in, it worked better. But a .223 is basically a woodchuck rifle, although it'll be fine on coyotes and such. As you say, times have changed re opinions of the .223/5.56mm.

If the rifle is in nice condition and your friend has no problems with the forearm styling, I think he's going to be a very happy man.

Dunno how big these are among Colt collectors. Ask on that board. But as a functional rifle, it should be wonderful.

perrazi · Jan 6, 2012

they don't have nearly the appeal as most colt revolvers. they are starting to gain interest though and i would buy one if it was excellent shape. your info on them is basically correct. there are fewer of them than a lot of "collector" guns being accumulated. personally, i feel this maybe the time to start buying. after all,earlier sako actions like these are some of the best available. in the .223 caliber i have seen a few over the years,but always had other things to buy. might be an area to study up on.check book of colt firearms by sutherland and wilson as a starting place. good luck. if you can get some pics before you buy,put them up so we can see them. lots of knowledge on this site,not just smiths

s&wchad · Jan 6, 2012

I've eyed one for several years that a dealer's put out for $550 at local gun shows. It's chambered in .30-06 and has a Colt scope on it. I believe $500 would buy it. The metal is about 98%, but the right side of the stock has some abrasion the size of a playing card that's thru the finish (I'm guessing from improper transportation).

It is a Sako action, but the wood is rather plain and the scope is nothing to write home about. If you find that they're worth a fortune, please let me know!

perrazi · Jan 7, 2012

they were also made in a deluxe grade that looked like a sako deluxe later on. they had blond wood with skipline checkering and rosewood forend tip. the real rare caliber in these guns is 264 magnum. please show pics of it after you get it. would guess a lot of people have never seen one.

Colt Coltsman rifle

H Richard

US Veteran

Texas Star

US Veteran

perrazi

Absent Comrade

s&wchad

Administrator

perrazi

Absent Comrade

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