Anyone know what this TARGET ADAPTER would fit?

THREEDFLYER · #1 03-09-2024, 08:02 PM

I am in the process of sorting through boxes in the gun room to selling off a few things.
Came across this today, but I have never seen one nor do I know what it fits and how it's installed?

The overall length is 6-1/8" and the top from the muzzle end to the end of the rib measures 5-1/8"

It appears that it may fit over a barrel on a revolver, but it's a mystery to me??

If you have had experience with one of these please let educate me.

Thanks!

6string · #2 03-09-2024, 10:28 PM

It looks like it might fit the pre-war Colt Woodsman with the so-called "pencil barrel". (see picture)
The radius at the breech end appears to closely match the contour where the front of the frame meets the barrel.
Also, in order to install this "target adapter" that you have, one needs to be able to remove the front sight. The pre-war Woodsman is similar to their target revolvers in that the front sight was adjustable for elevation while the rear sight was adjustable for windage. It would be a simple matter to remove the front sight, slide on the adapter, and then re-install the front sight.
It's hard to tell from the photos, but I'm guessing the hole for the barrel is round. If the hole is flat on the right and left sides at the breech end, then it might fit the early Colt Woodsman Match Target with the so-called elephant ear grips. (see second picture)
Another clue is the "Bullseye" motif that appears on your adapter. The Colt Woodsman Match Target uses a similar motif.

Those early Colt Woodsman pistols were widely favored by target shooters. But, the most common complaint was that they were too "muzzle light" for serious target work. Many shooters inprovised solutions, like attaching lead strips to the barrel by wrapping them with electrical tape.
This adapter would be a much more refined solution.

THREEDFLYER · #3 03-09-2024, 10:49 PM

This adapter is ROUND on the inside, no flat sides so definetly makes sense regarding a pencil barrel Woodsman with a removable front sight.

So I assume this would give that type of woodsman the feel of shooting a match target model in the hand.

I put it on the scale and the adapter weighs in at just a touch under 10 ounces.

THREEDFLYER · #4 03-09-2024, 11:29 PM

I just had a fellow on the Colt Forum confirm that these were advertised pre war in the American Rifleman and other publications for the Woodsman's....Now we know the rest of the story!

6string · #5 03-09-2024, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THREEDFLYER

I just had a fellow on the Colt Forum confirm that these were advertised pre war in the American Rifleman and other publications for the Woodsman's....Now we know the rest of the story!

Ha! That's good to hear!
I'll check my old stuff, like Julian Hatcher books. He really liked the Woodsman.

THREEDFLYER · #6 03-10-2024, 12:04 AM

Sounds good let me know if you find out anything that mentions this particular device. I wanted a listed for sale, but I’d like to have something to go with it, showing it advertised or in use.

THREEDFLYER · #7 03-10-2024, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6string

Ha! That's good to hear!
I'll check my old stuff, like Julian Hatcher books. He really liked the Woodsman.

A member on the Colt Forum came up with this photo....NOW WE KNOW!!

6string · #8 03-10-2024, 01:20 AM

Wow, that's very close to the appearance of the post war Colt Woodsman Match Target!

I bet that, to the right guy, your target adapter would be worth some good money. Not bad for something you just found while rummaging through some boxes!
I haven't found any info in my stuff yet, but I've still got a couple books to check yet.

THREEDFLYER · #9 03-10-2024, 01:28 AM

Yeah, I think you’re right it really does make it look like a match target!
I think somebody will certainly like to have that. I’m grateful to have a picture since I’m finding nothing in my Internet search.

THREEDFLYER · #10 03-10-2024, 10:57 AM

Here is a link to the thread I started reagarding this Target Adapter on the Colt Forum.....more photos of other types of adapters to check out!

Has anyone seen this Target Adapter on an early pencil barrel Woodsman?? | Colt Forum

AJ · #11 03-10-2024, 11:08 AM

A friend just bought a Pre-Woodsman made in 1919. It has a pencil barrel. Nice piece.

Onomea · #12 03-10-2024, 01:07 PM

Interesting thread, and a great guess by 6string! And as I've noticed over the years, kwill continues to come up with the most esoteric bits of info.

I would think that to a Woodsman collector that adapter ought to be worth a pretty good price.

THREEDFLYER · #13 03-10-2024, 01:12 PM

It's interesting that nothing comes up with an internet search on this adapter or the company that made it. Even on eBay I don't see anything pop up on completed items searches.

Hard to put a value on an item that seems obscure today!

kwill1911 · #14 03-10-2024, 02:14 PM

What a stud that kwill must be!

kwill1911 · #15 03-10-2024, 02:34 PM

I once did a deep dive on King Super Target pistols for an article in The Rampant Colt. And, at the time, I owned a bunch of them. To understand D.W. King's work I needed to research the competitors including this product, the Stedimor and others. Colt (and S&W) were not very innovative in those days (in my opinion) but would take ideas developed by small, independent gunsmiths and incorporate them into their products. The 2nd generation MT Woodsman, the Python's vent rib, the short action Smith, and S&Ws target hammer and trigger are examples.

THREEDFLYER · #16 03-11-2024, 12:11 PM

If anyone is interested in owning this Target Adapter or knows someone who might be I have listed it on eBay and my user name is the same there which is threedflyer (Lower case)

I also have been listing a fair number of firearm related items including vintage sights, military items, etc.