Any thoughts on the value of this Colt Woodsman?

[RGallaher]

I came across this in a local auction and will get to see it on March 29th, the day before the auction. I'd like to have it, but naturally do not want to overbid. The serial number is #238617-5. I have attached a several photos. Any help on a valuation would be much appreciated.

After posting this, I took a closer look at the detail photo and noticed a screw appears to be missing?

 

[reddog81]

What's going on with the blueing? Hard to tell if there are reflections showing up in the pictures or if the blueing is a variety of different splotchy colors. I was going to say $500 to $600 as it looks like it is in OK condition but after looking closer at it I be hesitant to go anything near/over $500 based on those pictures. What is going on where the barrel meets the frame on the right hard side? It looks like a brown spot. Is that rust or a something else? Those are my thoughts based on the 3 pictures...

 

[Rpg]

Looks like a Target model.

I think it’s pretty desirable and wouldn’t be surprised if it sold for $750 or more at an auction.

 

[RGallaher]

Any thought on what appears to be a missing screw on the left side?

 

[jrm53]

It looks like a button head socket head to use with an allen wrench. Jeff

 

[30-30remchester]

From the photo this appears to be a type 2 made in the 50 IIRC. There was an issue with the heel magazine release. Unlike the type 1 heel release, these were prone to breaking. Replacements releases have dried up. Anything is fixable should it break but the cost could be a deterrent. It took several years to find a replacement released for a friends type 2. This was several decades ago. I sent it to him, and he promptly lost it.

 

[rockquarry]

I came across this in a local auction and will get to see it on March 29th, the day before the auction. I'd like to have it, but naturally do not want to overbid. The serial number is #238617-5. I have attached a several photos. Any help on a valuation would be much appreciated.

After posting this, I took a closer look at the detail photo and noticed a screw appears to be missing?

Make sure you want the heel magazine release of the third model as opposed to the frame mounted magazine release of the second model. To some it doesn't matter, but after having both I much prefer the frame mounted release.

 

[murphydog]

According to the 100% reliable Internet, this Colt was produced in late 1968.

Hard to put a value on it without knowing its exact condition. $500 for a mechanically sound gun sounds good but one with a lot of finish warts at $750 does not.

 

[jc2721]

Does it come with a magazine? If not, be prepared to spend a c-note for one (if you're lucky, more $$$ if you want a really nice one to match). I think the missing screw is to hold the side plate on (duh!) but IDK if they are available, Prewoodsman on other forums has a lot of parts, he might be able to help you.

As to value, I've been following Woodsmans (Woodsmen?) on the internet auction sites, sellers are asking $1000 to $1200-1300 for similar guns BUT I haven't noticed any bidders at that price point.

If you can get the parts, sometimes an obvious missing part can land you a good deal--I got this 3rd model Match Target for a good price because it was clearly missing the Elliason sight base cross pin and the sight was skewed skyward rather awkwardly. A $10 pin from Prewoodsman fixed it right up. It'll be a shooter for me and if I ever do decide to let it go the replacement pin will be made known.

BTW, I like the heel clip magazine release because it allows me to use modified Beretta Neos magazines in the Woodsman, saving wear and tear on those increasingly expensive OEM magazines. Don't waste your money on Triple K mags.

 

[824tsv]

The serial# dates to 1968 as posted above. The last digit is a “S” not a 5. There is nothing missing on that “3rd Series Woodsman Target”. Value is $850-$1000. Magazines are expensive but there are other options of looking for extra magazines. A broken heel magazine release is rare. I’ve been shooting one regularly for over 30 years and have had 0 issues, another over blown internet rumour. Tom Platt in Arizona “prewoodsman” on many forums is the master of all things Colt Woodsman. He has parts, repairs them, and offers detailed advice and is a fantastic guy. There is lots of information on these on the Colt Forum and a excellent thread on shooting these pistols with lots of detailed photos.
I have several of these pistols and shoot them all. My 3rd Series pistols are on page 3 of the thread.

Shooting the Woodsman Target, an informal virtual competition. Please add your's. | Colt Forum

 

[cmansguns]

Nice one it looks like

The pics look like a target 3rd series to me and I would agree that todays market might bring the $850 to $1000 depending on whether any accessories are with it.

Is it a highly publicized auction, or a local "estate" where a lot less bidders may be present?

My 3rd Series, Sport that had both original mags, box and docs was serial number 214677-S and sold locally about 6 years ago for $750. I never experienced any issues with thousands of rounds through the gun.

 

[SS336]

Like jc2721 said
“ BTW, I like the heel clip magazine release because it allows me to use modified Beretta Neos magazines in the Woodsman, saving wear and tear on those increasingly expensive OEM magazines. Don't waste your money on Triple K mags.”

They work great and I have modified a couple Neos magazines for mine. Very handy and affordable.

 

[824tsv]

When I mentioned "other options" for magazines in my (above) post I was referring to the Beretta Neos magazines. I've converted 4 and all have been flawless in function. Beretta Neos magazines can be had for $17.99 at Grab A Gun and other on line retailers. There is a detailed tutorial on converting these magazines to work with the 3rd Series Woodsman's on rimfirecentral.com

 

[RGallaher]

So many amazing and informatively useful responses! Thanks SO much!

Some things I *think* I now know that I didn't know when I posted yesterday (3/24/23):

1) This may be a Target 3rd Series, produced in 1968

2) What I though may have been a "missing screw" on the left side also appears in the photo provided by "jc2721". Upon closer examination, I think it must be a punch pin.

3) A fair value for a mechanically sound Woodsman may be in the range of $750-$1000.

I am now even more determined to 'win' this auction. I currently have the winning bid at $260 - but that is VERY likely to change before the deadline at 10:00 AM on 3/30/23. Because it is a local estate auction, I'm still hoping to get it a good price. I will let you know.

One more thing regarding magazines, etc. I forgot to post one of the photos in the auction (attached here) showing the original box, instructions, and four magazines!

 

[824tsv]

You have $500 in magazines and $100 box.
There is NO doubt that it's a 3rd Series Colt Woodsman Target manufactured in 1968.
There is nothing missing from the pistol. The "missing screw" is not missing. Thats the way it was manufactured.
These are excellent pistols. I hope you get that one at a decent price. If you get a chance, check out the link I posted in my first post. I own over 20 Woodsman's and all are taken to the range and used the way they were intended. All are excellent shooting pistols. All of mine are shown with corresponding targets in the link.

 

[RGallaher]

Yes, I did follow the link you posted earlier and was stoked by your collection as well as the others. Clearly, everyone there is thoroughly enjoying using their Sportsmans for what they were intended.

Now you tell me the box and mags are worth an additional $600?! Holy jump up and down! I MUST have this - for me and for my grandsons who are enthusiastic shooters.

There is another bidder who hasn't responded since I went to $260. I suspect he is laying low until the last few minutes and will then make a play. I'll be ready for him. If there are no further bids, it would be insane to pick up this package for $260!

 

[22hipower]

Yes, I'll take all you can find at $260 a copy. I prefer the 2nd Models but any of them are good. Triggers are not as good as those on M41s but neat little guns; not much that John Browning designed wasn't pretty slick. If I were still collecting Woodsmans I'd expect to pay $1000 minimum to buy that package. Good luck.

As to the magazines, I can't tell from the picture whether they're factory Colt or not. Others besides Colt made magazines and without seeing the bottom of the magazine I can't tell if they're OEM or not. If not, that $100 each estimate is high.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[jeffrefrig]

Just hope the other bidder isn't on this Forum. Nice gun.

 

[RGallaher]

Hopefully not! Worth the risk though, considering all I have learned in a very short time.

 

[H Richard]

If you bid up to $600, you won't get it. With 4 mags and a box the collectors will outbid you.