The Woodsman Match Goal mannequin, produced by Colt Firearms, was a variant of the favored Woodsman .22 caliber pistol sequence. Identified for its prolonged barrel, adjustable sights, and refined set off, this particular mannequin was designed for aggressive goal taking pictures. Typical examples typically featured checkered walnut grips and a high-polish blue end.
This firearm represented a big contribution to the world of aggressive taking pictures sports activities. Its accuracy and reliability made it a popular alternative amongst each beginner {and professional} marksmen for many years. The pistol’s design, incorporating options meant to boost precision, mirrored Colt’s dedication to producing high-quality firearms for a specialised market. Its historic context inside the broader improvement of .22 goal pistols establishes its place as a big design in firearms historical past.
Additional exploration will delve into particular design options, manufacturing variations over time, and the lasting legacy of this iconic goal pistol.
1. Accuracy
Accuracy represents a defining attribute of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal. The pistol’s design and development prioritized precision taking pictures. The prolonged barrel size, sometimes 6 inches, supplied an extended sight radius, aiding in exact aiming. Adjustable sights allowed for fine-tuning the purpose of affect, accommodating particular person shooter preferences and ranging ammunition sorts. The refined set off mechanism, typically that includes a lighter pull weight than commonplace Woodsman fashions, minimized disruption throughout firing, additional enhancing accuracy potential. These options mixed to create a firearm able to distinctive efficiency in aggressive goal taking pictures.
Up to date accounts from aggressive shooters and interval publications typically cited the Match Goal’s accuracy as a key think about its reputation. Examples embody constant wins at regional and nationwide matches, demonstrating the pistol’s effectiveness in sensible taking pictures situations. Moreover, the inherent accuracy of the platform made it an appropriate coaching instrument, permitting shooters to develop and refine their expertise. This give attention to accuracy mirrored the rising emphasis on precision inside the taking pictures sports activities throughout the mid-Twentieth century.
Understanding the inherent accuracy of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal supplies essential perception into its historic significance and enduring attraction amongst collectors and fans. Whereas developments in firearms know-how have yielded extra fashionable competitors pistols, the Match Goal stays a benchmark for .22 caliber goal pistols of its period. Its legacy rests not solely on its accuracy but additionally on the mixture of design components that contributed to its efficiency and enduring repute.
2. Adjustable sights
Adjustable sights symbolize a vital characteristic distinguishing the Colt Woodsman Match Goal from different variants inside the Woodsman sequence. These sights present shooters with the power to fine-tune the pistol’s level of affect, compensating for variations in ammunition, particular person taking pictures kinds, and particular goal distances. This adjustability proved important for aggressive goal taking pictures, the place exact shot placement is paramount. Goal pistols missing this characteristic typically required gunsmith modifications to realize comparable ranges of accuracy customization.
The sensible significance of adjustable sights turns into evident when contemplating the calls for of aggressive taking pictures. Variations in ammunition, even inside the similar .22 caliber designation, can produce slight variations in trajectory and level of affect. Adjustable sights permit shooters to compensate for these variations, making certain constant accuracy whatever the particular ammunition used. Moreover, particular person taking pictures kinds, resembling grip and sight image, can affect bullet affect. Adjustable sights permit for customized changes, optimizing the pistol’s efficiency for every shooter. Documented examples from aggressive matches illustrate how shooters utilized this characteristic to realize optimum accuracy at various distances and underneath various circumstances.
The inclusion of adjustable sights underscores the Colt Woodsman Match Goal’s design intent as a purpose-built competitors firearm. This characteristic, coupled with the prolonged barrel and refined set off, contributed to the pistol’s repute for accuracy and its enduring reputation amongst goal shooters. Understanding the position and performance of adjustable sights supplies beneficial context for appreciating the Match Goal’s historic significance inside the broader evolution of aggressive taking pictures pistols. The power to fine-tune accuracy stays a vital consideration in fashionable goal pistols, reflecting the lasting affect of designs just like the Woodsman Match Goal.
3. Prolonged Barrel
The prolonged barrel of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal represents a key design factor immediately influencing its efficiency and meant goal. Differing from commonplace Woodsman fashions, the prolonged barrel contributes considerably to the pistol’s enhanced accuracy, a defining attribute for aggressive goal taking pictures.
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Elevated Sight Radius
An extended barrel leads to an extended sight radius, the gap between the entrance and rear sights. This elevated distance simplifies exact alignment, permitting for finer changes and lowering aiming errors. The sensible profit interprets to improved accuracy, significantly at longer ranges, a vital think about aggressive goal taking pictures. The prolonged barrel of the Match Goal, sometimes measuring 6 inches, affords a considerable benefit over shorter-barreled variants.
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Enhanced Muzzle Velocity
Whereas the impact is much less pronounced with .22LR ammunition, an extended barrel usually contributes to barely larger muzzle velocity. This elevated velocity may end up in a flatter trajectory, aiding accuracy at longer distances by minimizing the consequences of bullet drop. Though marginal, this velocity enchancment generally is a contributing think about aggressive taking pictures the place small efficiency positive aspects are extremely valued.
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Improved Stability and Dealing with
The prolonged barrel shifts the pistol’s middle of gravity ahead, influencing its stability and dealing with traits. This shift can contribute to lowered muzzle rise throughout firing, facilitating quicker follow-up pictures and contributing to general management. Whereas subjective, many shooters discover the stability of the Match Goal conducive to specific taking pictures, significantly in rapid-fire sequences frequent in competitors.
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Visible Distinction
The prolonged barrel visually distinguishes the Match Goal from different Woodsman fashions. This distinctive look contributes to the pistol’s specialised identification and reinforces its meant goal as a contest firearm. The longer barrel serves as a visible cue, instantly speaking the pistol’s give attention to accuracy and efficiency.
The prolonged barrel of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal, mixed with different options like adjustable sights and a refined set off, creates a firearm particularly designed for aggressive goal taking pictures. This characteristic not solely contributes to enhanced accuracy and efficiency but additionally symbolizes the pistol’s specialised position inside the broader context of the Woodsman sequence and firearms historical past. The emphasis on accuracy by an prolonged barrel continues to affect fashionable goal pistol design, highlighting the lasting affect of this basic firearm.
4. Goal Capturing
Goal taking pictures supplied the basic context for the Colt Woodsman Match Goal’s improvement and enduring relevance. This firearm represents a particular response to the calls for of aggressive and leisure goal taking pictures disciplines prevalent throughout its manufacturing interval. The design options, together with the prolonged barrel, adjustable sights, and refined set off, immediately handle the necessities of precision taking pictures. The Match Goal’s inherent accuracy made it a sought-after alternative amongst aggressive shooters, whereas its manageable recoil and refined ergonomics additionally appealed to leisure goal fans. Examples of its use in organized competitions and documented testimonials from outstanding shooters underscore this connection.
The emphasis on accuracy inherent in goal taking pictures drove the design decisions evident within the Match Goal. Aggressive goal taking pictures, specifically, demanded exact shot placement at various distances. The Match Goal’s prolonged barrel and adjustable sights facilitated this precision, permitting shooters to fine-tune their purpose and compensate for variations in ammunition or environmental circumstances. The lighter set off pull minimized disruption throughout firing, additional enhancing accuracy potential. The pistol’s general design fostered constant efficiency, a vital think about aggressive environments. Examples embody documented successes in aggressive matches and the continued use of comparable options in fashionable goal pistols, demonstrating the lasting affect of this design philosophy.
Understanding the connection between goal taking pictures and the Colt Woodsman Match Goal supplies important context for appreciating its historic significance and enduring attraction. The Match Goal displays a particular interval in firearms improvement the place precision and management in goal taking pictures assumed growing significance. The pistol’s design efficiently addressed these calls for, establishing its legacy as a extremely regarded goal pistol. This connection highlights the continued evolution of firearms know-how pushed by the precise wants of assorted taking pictures disciplines, with the Match Goal serving as a tangible instance of this course of.
5. .22 Caliber
The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge represents an integral side of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal. This rimfire cartridge’s traits considerably influenced the pistol’s design, suitability for goal taking pictures, and general efficiency. Understanding the connection between the .22 caliber and the Match Goal supplies important context for appreciating the firearm’s historic significance and enduring attraction.
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Manageable Recoil
The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge produces minimal recoil in comparison with bigger centerfire calibers. This lowered recoil contributes considerably to the shooter’s consolation and management, significantly throughout prolonged apply periods or aggressive occasions. Decreased recoil permits for quicker follow-up pictures and minimizes flinching, in the end enhancing accuracy. This attribute made the .22 caliber, and thus the Match Goal, significantly well-suited for each novice and skilled goal shooters.
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Affordability and Availability
.22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition is mostly cheaper and extra available than bigger caliber ammunition. This affordability makes it a sensible alternative for high-volume taking pictures, resembling coaching and aggressive apply. The widespread availability of .22LR ammunition additional contributed to the Woodsman Match Goal’s reputation, making certain shooters might readily entry the required provides.
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Accuracy Potential
Whereas much less highly effective than bigger calibers, the .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge is able to glorious accuracy, particularly in firearms designed for goal taking pictures. The inherent accuracy of the .22LR, coupled with the Match Goal’s precision-oriented options, allowed for distinctive efficiency in aggressive and leisure taking pictures. This accuracy potential made the Match Goal a aggressive alternative in goal taking pictures disciplines the place exact shot placement was paramount.
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Decreased Noise and Muzzle Blast
The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge usually produces much less noise and muzzle blast in comparison with bigger calibers. This lowered report makes it extra comfy for prolonged taking pictures periods and reduces the chance of listening to harm. This attribute, coupled with the minimal recoil, contributed to the .22LR’s reputation in each indoor and out of doors taking pictures ranges.
The .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge performed a vital position within the Colt Woodsman Match Goal’s success as a goal pistol. The cartridge’s traits of manageable recoil, affordability, accuracy potential, and lowered noise aligned completely with the calls for of goal taking pictures. This synergy between cartridge and firearm cemented the Match Goal’s place as a outstanding and well-respected firearm inside aggressive and leisure taking pictures circles.
6. Checkered Grips
Checkered grips symbolize a vital design factor of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal, contributing considerably to its dealing with traits and general efficiency in goal taking pictures. These grips, typically crafted from walnut and that includes exact checkering patterns, improve the shooter’s grip safety and management, in the end impacting accuracy and shot consistency. Analyzing the precise sides of checkered grips reveals their significance inside the context of the Match Goal’s design and meant goal.
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Enhanced Grip Safety
The first operate of checkered grips is to offer a safer grip floor. The textured checkering sample will increase friction between the shooter’s hand and the grips, minimizing slippage and sustaining constant hand placement. This enhanced grip safety turns into significantly essential throughout rapid-fire sequences or underneath difficult environmental circumstances. A safe grip interprets on to improved management and accuracy, important parts of profitable goal taking pictures.
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Improved Recoil Administration
Whereas the .22 Lengthy Rifle cartridge produces minimal recoil, efficient administration of this recoil stays essential for exact shot placement. Checkered grips assist in recoil administration by offering a agency and constant gripping floor. This safe grip minimizes motion of the pistol within the shooter’s hand throughout recoil, permitting for quicker follow-up pictures and sustaining sight alignment. This enhanced management is especially related in aggressive goal taking pictures the place small variations in recoil administration can considerably affect general efficiency.
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Ergonomics and Consolation
The checkering sample on the grips additionally contributes to the general ergonomics and luxury of the pistol. The textured floor supplies a extra optimistic and tactile really feel, enhancing the shooter’s reference to the firearm. This improved really feel can contribute to lowered fatigue throughout prolonged taking pictures periods and promote a extra pure and constant grip. The mixture of consolation and management enhances the shooter’s capability to give attention to exact aiming and shot execution.
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Aesthetics and Craftsmanship
Past their useful advantages, checkered grips contribute to the aesthetic attraction and perceived high quality of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal. The finely crafted checkering patterns, typically executed with precision and a focus to element, mirror Colt’s dedication to craftsmanship. The checkered walnut grips, typically that includes a wealthy, darkish end, improve the pistol’s visible attraction and contribute to its basic and refined look.
The checkered grips of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal symbolize a rigorously thought of design factor that enhances each the pistol’s performance and aesthetic attraction. The improved grip safety, improved recoil administration, and ergonomic advantages immediately contribute to the pistol’s efficiency in goal taking pictures. The mixture of those components solidifies the checkered grips’ essential position in defining the Match Goal as a high-quality, precision-oriented firearm.
7. Refined Set off
A refined set off mechanism represents a vital distinction between the Colt Woodsman Match Goal and different fashions inside the Woodsman sequence. This refinement interprets on to enhanced accuracy potential, a defining attribute of the Match Goal. The set off’s affect stems from its affect on the shooter’s capability to manage the firearm throughout the firing course of. A lighter, smoother set off pull minimizes disruption of sight alignment and reduces the chance of unintentional motion, thus bettering precision and shot consistency. Interval opinions and comparisons with commonplace Woodsman fashions persistently spotlight the Match Goal’s superior set off as a key think about its accuracy benefit. Aggressive shooters of the period ceaselessly sought out this particular mannequin for its refined set off, recognizing its contribution to reaching high scores.
The sensible significance of a refined set off turns into significantly obvious within the context of precision goal taking pictures. A lighter set off pull requires much less power to actuate, lowering the potential for the shooter to inadvertently transfer the pistol off track throughout firing. A clean, constant set off pull additional minimizes disruptions, making certain a predictable and managed launch. This predictability permits the shooter to give attention to sight alignment and breath management, vital parts of correct taking pictures. Examples of the Match Goal’s success in aggressive matches typically cite the refined set off as a contributing issue to constant efficiency. The continued emphasis on set off refinement in fashionable goal pistols underscores the lasting affect of this design factor.
The refined set off of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal distinguishes it as a firearm purpose-built for precision. This characteristic represents a direct response to the calls for of aggressive goal taking pictures, the place small enhancements in management can translate to important positive aspects in accuracy. Understanding the position and affect of a refined set off supplies essential context for appreciating the Match Goal’s historic significance and enduring attraction. Its affect on taking pictures efficiency highlights the interconnectedness of design components and their collective contribution to a firearm’s general effectiveness.
8. Colt Craftsmanship
Colt craftsmanship represents a defining attribute of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal, inextricably linked to its efficiency, repute, and enduring legacy. This dedication to high quality manifested in a number of key points of the Match Goal’s design and manufacturing, influencing its accuracy, reliability, and general attraction. The exact machining, cautious meeting, and high-quality supplies employed in its manufacture distinguished the Match Goal as a premium firearm inside the Woodsman sequence. This repute for craftsmanship contributed considerably to the pistol’s desirability amongst aggressive shooters and collectors. Particular examples embody the finely checkered walnut grips, the polished blue end, and the exactly tuned set off mechanism, all indicative of Colt’s dedication to high quality.
The sensible implications of Colt craftsmanship lengthen past mere aesthetics. Exactly machined parts, such because the barrel and slide, contribute on to the pistol’s accuracy and constant efficiency. Cautious becoming and meeting guarantee the sleek operation and reliability important for aggressive taking pictures. The usage of high-quality supplies, together with sturdy metal and punctiliously chosen walnut, enhances the pistol’s longevity and resistance to put on. Documented accounts from interval publications and aggressive shooters ceaselessly cite the Match Goal’s reliability and constant efficiency as key components in its success. The continued desirability of those firearms amongst collectors additional underscores the enduring worth related to Colt craftsmanship.
Understanding the connection between Colt craftsmanship and the Woodsman Match Goal supplies essential context for appreciating its historic significance and enduring worth. This dedication to high quality represents a core factor of Colt’s legacy, influencing the design and manufacturing of quite a few firearms all through its historical past. The Match Goal exemplifies this legacy, demonstrating how meticulous craftsmanship interprets to enhanced efficiency, reliability, and lasting attraction. This understanding informs not solely the historic evaluation of the Match Goal but additionally the broader appreciation of Colt’s contribution to firearms design and manufacturing.
9. Woodsman Sequence
The Colt Woodsman sequence supplies the foundational context for understanding the Colt Woodsman Match Goal. This sequence, encompassing varied .22 caliber semi-automatic pistols, established Colt’s presence within the sporting firearms market. The Match Goal represents a specialised variant inside this sequence, distinguished by options particularly tailor-made for aggressive goal taking pictures. Analyzing the broader Woodsman sequence illuminates the Match Goal’s place inside Colt’s product line and clarifies its distinctive attributes.
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Design Lineage
The Woodsman sequence, originating in 1915, established a design lineage influencing subsequent Colt pistols. The sequence launched options just like the distinctive slab-sided slide and grip angle, components carried ahead to the Match Goal. Understanding this lineage supplies essential context for appreciating the Match Goal’s design heritage and its place inside Colt’s historic improvement of semi-automatic pistols. The Match Goal inherited and refined core design components from earlier Woodsman fashions, representing an evolution of the sequence’ core rules.
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Variations and Fashions
The Woodsman sequence encompassed varied fashions, every catering to particular wants and preferences. These variations included totally different barrel lengths, sight configurations, and grip kinds. The Match Goal represents a definite mannequin inside this broader vary, characterised by its prolonged barrel, adjustable sights, and refined set off. Recognizing these variations clarifies the Match Goal’s specialised goal and its place inside the sequence’ various choices. Examples embody the Woodsman Sport, the Woodsman Goal, and the Woodsman Huntsman, every providing distinct options and catering to totally different taking pictures purposes.
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Manufacturing and Manufacturing
The Woodsman sequence skilled a number of manufacturing intervals, reflecting modifications in manufacturing methods and market calls for. The Match Goal’s manufacturing spanned particular years inside this broader timeframe, aligning with the rising reputation of aggressive goal taking pictures. Understanding these manufacturing intervals supplies context for figuring out and authenticating particular Match Goal examples, clarifying their historic placement and potential variations in options or markings. Adjustments in manufacturing strategies and supplies can affect the collectibility and worth of particular fashions.
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Legacy and Affect
The Woodsman sequence left a long-lasting legacy on the firearms trade, influencing subsequent .22 pistol designs and solidifying Colt’s repute for producing high-quality sporting firearms. The Match Goal, as a outstanding member of this sequence, contributed to this legacy by demonstrating the potential for accuracy and efficiency in a .22 caliber pistol. Its affect could be seen in later goal pistols from varied producers, reflecting the enduring affect of the Woodsman sequence on firearms design and the specialised area of interest carved out by the Match Goal.
Analyzing the Colt Woodsman sequence as an entire supplies important context for understanding the Colt Woodsman Match Goal’s significance and distinctive attributes. The Match Goal represents a end result of design rules and manufacturing experience developed all through the Woodsman sequence, tailored and refined for the precise calls for of aggressive goal taking pictures. This connection underscores the significance of viewing the Match Goal not in isolation, however as a major factor inside the broader narrative of Colt’s firearms historical past and the evolution of .22 goal pistols.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries concerning the Colt Woodsman Match Goal, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: What distinguishes the Match Goal from different Woodsman fashions?
The Match Goal distinguishes itself by options optimized for aggressive taking pictures: an prolonged barrel (sometimes 6 inches), adjustable goal sights, a refined set off mechanism, and infrequently, checkered walnut grips. These options improve accuracy, management, and general efficiency.
Query 2: What’s the typical accuracy potential of a Colt Woodsman Match Goal?
Whereas particular person outcomes fluctuate, the Match Goal, with correct ammunition and method, can persistently obtain groupings of 1 inch or much less at 25 yards, a testomony to its design and inherent accuracy.
Query 3: Are Colt Woodsman Match Goal pistols nonetheless manufactured?
No. Colt discontinued the Woodsman sequence, together with the Match Goal, in 1977. Present examples are actually thought of collector’s gadgets, with values decided by situation, rarity, and historic significance.
Query 4: What sort of ammunition is appropriate for the Colt Woodsman Match Goal?
The pistol is chambered for .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition. Customary velocity and target-grade ammunition are usually beneficial for optimum accuracy and to attenuate put on on the firearm.
Query 5: What are key components affecting the worth of a Colt Woodsman Match Goal?
Situation, originality, and provenance considerably affect worth. Elements such because the presence of authentic grips, end high quality, and documented historical past contribute to a pistol’s desirability and market value. Rarity, decided by particular manufacturing years and variations, additionally performs a task.
Query 6: The place can one discover dependable info concerning Colt Woodsman Match Goal pistols?
Respected sources embody devoted Colt firearms publications, on-line collector boards, and established firearms appraisers. These assets provide beneficial info concerning historic context, manufacturing particulars, and market valuations.
Understanding these key points contributes to a extra complete appreciation of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal’s historic significance and enduring attraction inside the accumulating and taking pictures communities.
Additional sections will discover particular examples, historic context, and the lasting legacy of this iconic goal pistol.
Colt Woodsman Match Goal
Correct dealing with and upkeep are important for preserving the performance and worth of a Colt Woodsman Match Goal. These pointers provide sensible recommendation for homeowners and fans.
Tip 1: Protected Storage
Retailer the firearm unloaded, in a safe location, away from unauthorized entry. A devoted gun secure supplies optimum safety in opposition to theft and unintentional discharge. Take into account a dehumidifier inside the secure to mitigate the chance of rust, significantly in humid environments.
Tip 2: Common Cleansing
Common cleansing is essential for sustaining dependable operation. After every taking pictures session, disassemble the pistol and clear the barrel, chamber, and motion parts utilizing applicable solvents and lubricants. Seek the advice of a good gunsmithing information for detailed disassembly and cleansing directions particular to the Woodsman sequence.
Tip 3: Ammunition Choice
Make the most of high-quality .22 Lengthy Rifle ammunition particularly designed for goal taking pictures. Keep away from utilizing low-quality or improperly saved ammunition, as this could negatively affect accuracy and probably harm the firearm. Go for commonplace velocity or target-grade ammunition for optimum efficiency.
Tip 4: Correct Grip and Stance
Constant grip and stance are basic for correct taking pictures. Preserve a agency, constant grip with the checkered walnut grips, making certain correct hand placement and set off finger management. Undertake a secure taking pictures stance to attenuate motion and maximize management throughout firing.
Tip 5: Sight Alignment and Sight Image
Appropriate sight alignment and sight image are essential for exact shot placement. Align the entrance and rear sights precisely and give attention to the entrance sight, sustaining a transparent sight image. Constant utility of those rules is crucial for reaching optimum accuracy.
Tip 6: Set off Management
Easy, managed set off pull is crucial for accuracy. Steadily apply stress to the set off, avoiding jerking or flinching. Observe dry firing (with an unloaded firearm and the journal eliminated) to develop constant set off management and reduce disruption of sight alignment throughout firing.
Tip 7: Skilled Inspection
Periodically have the firearm inspected by a certified gunsmith. Skilled inspection can determine potential points earlier than they turn out to be important issues, making certain the continued secure and dependable operation of the Match Goal.
Adhering to those pointers ensures the long-term preservation and optimum efficiency of a Colt Woodsman Match Goal. Correct care and dealing with maximize the shooter’s enjoyment and contribute to preserving the historic legacy of this basic firearm.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing attributes and enduring significance of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal.
Colt Woodsman Match Goal
Exploration of the Colt Woodsman Match Goal reveals a firearm purpose-built for precision. Its featuresthe prolonged barrel, adjustable sights, refined set off, and checkered gripsrepresent a end result of design components meant to boost accuracy and management. Placement inside the broader Woodsman sequence underscores its specialised position as a aggressive goal pistol. Examination of its historic context reveals a firearm reflecting the calls for and developments of its period. The .22 Lengthy Rifle chambering, mixed with Colt’s famend craftsmanship, additional solidified its place as a extremely regarded goal pistol.
The Colt Woodsman Match Goal stays a big touchstone in firearms historical past. Its enduring attraction amongst collectors and fans testifies to its design excellence and lasting legacy. Continued curiosity underscores the significance of preserving these firearms and appreciating their contribution to the evolution of goal taking pictures. Additional analysis and exploration provide alternatives to deepen understanding and protect the historic narrative surrounding this iconic firearm.
