Colt Woodsman Third Series

The Colt Woodsman Third Series is the final chapter of the classic Woodsman story. Produced from the mid-1950s through the end of the line in 1977, it brought a more modern frame profile, heel-style magazine release, revised handling details, and a broad model lineup that included Sport, Target, Match Target, Huntsman, Targetsman, and late integrated serial-number production.

Why the Third Series Matters

The Third Series is sometimes overlooked by collectors who chase early pre-war finish or First Series romance. That is a mistake. These later Woodsman pistols are some of the best shooters in the family. They are easier to find in strong condition, often less intimidating to use, and still carry the mechanical refinement that made the Woodsman famous.

From a collecting standpoint, the Third Series is also where the Woodsman family becomes most diverse. The Sport, Target, Match Target, Huntsman, and Targetsman all sit inside the late-production story, and the 1969 integrated serial-number system adds another layer of research interest.

Production and Series Context

The Third Series followed the Second Series and carried the Woodsman line into its final production era. The redesigned frame, heel magazine release, and late serial-number systems distinguish it from earlier guns. It also marks the period when Colt offered both full Woodsman models and simplified field or economy variants.

For the broad timeline, use the Colt Woodsman generations guide. To date a pistol, begin with the Colt Woodsman serial number lookup, then confirm details in the Woodsman serial number master chart.

Third Series Features

The Third Series feels familiar to anyone who knows the Woodsman, but the differences are important. The heel magazine release, updated frame details, and late-production serial-number systems are central to identification. These pistols were practical, durable, and accurate, with the kind of reliability that made many owners keep shooting them rather than storing them away.

Model Lineup

The Third Series lineup is where the Woodsman family spreads out. The Sport is the compact field pistol. The Target is the accuracy-minded range pistol. The Match Target remains the heavy-barreled precision member. The Huntsman and Targetsman carry the simplified, value-oriented side of the family.

Serial Number Notes

Third Series serial numbers require care. Early Third Series Sport, Target, and Match Target pistols used hyphenated -S suffixes. Huntsman and Targetsman pistols used -C suffix ranges. In 1969 Colt moved into an integrated block with six digits followed by S without the hyphen. That change is one reason the master chart is essential.

Never date a Third Series Woodsman by the numeric portion alone. The suffix, hyphen, model marking, and physical features all matter.

How to Evaluate One

Start with the model marking and serial-number format. Then inspect the magazine release, sights, barrel length, grips, finish, rollmarks, magazine, bore, and crown. Third Series pistols are often bought as shooters, but collector value still depends on originality.

Because they are later guns, many Third Series Woodsmans survived in excellent condition. That makes the buying standard higher. A clean original pistol is usually worth waiting for.

Third Series Compared with Earlier Woodsman Generations

The First Series has the pre-war romance. The Second Series has the immediate post-war transition. The Third Series has the most modern handling and the broadest model range. It is the easiest Woodsman generation to recommend to someone who wants both collector interest and regular range use.

Collector Value Factors

Condition, originality, correct model features, correct grips, original sights, proper magazine, and strong finish drive value. Late-production examples with boxes and paperwork are attractive, especially when they remain unfired or lightly used. Match Target examples often bring special attention, but clean Sport and Target models are also desirable.

Economy models such as the Huntsman should not be dismissed. They are part of the Third Series story and can be excellent buys when condition is strong.

Common Buying Mistakes

• Confusing Second Series and Third Series pistols by ignoring the magazine release location.
• Dating a gun by the numeric portion and overlooking the suffix or integrated S format.
• Failing to distinguish Huntsman, Targetsman, Target, and Match Target markings.
• Paying premium money for a refinished pistol with altered sights or softened markings.
• Ignoring magazines, boxes, and paperwork that can add value.

Where the Third Series Fits in a Collection

A Woodsman collection feels incomplete without the Third Series. It shows where Colt took the design after decades of refinement, and it gives the collector a practical pistol that can still be used and appreciated on the range.

For many owners, the Third Series is the best “shooter-collector” Woodsman: old enough to be classic, modern enough to use, and broad enough to reward deeper study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Colt Woodsman Third Series collectible?

Yes. Yes. Third Series pistols are collectible because they represent the final, most modern Woodsman generation and include several important model branches.

Is the Third Series the same as the Huntsman?

No. No. The Huntsman is one simplified model within the Third Series period, while the Third Series includes multiple Woodsman-family models.

What is the first thing to check?

Check the serial-number format, suffix, magazine release location, model marking, sights, barrel length, and originality before assigning a date or value.

About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes Gun Collectors Club from a collector's perspective, combining practical firearm handling experience with serial-number research, historical context, and field observations.