Ask the majority of Colt rimfire pistol owners which they recognize, collect, favor, or would most like to own, and the answer will overwhelming be some version of the venerable Woodsman. Make no mistake, the Woodsman is an outstanding platform, but focusing solely on that one is doing disservice to an oft-overlooked raring pony design—the similarly built, albeit more affordable Huntsman. Here’s why we grabbed a Huntsman from the Guns.com Vault and why you might add it to your wish list as well.
Meet the Huntsman
The Colt Huntsman is a post-WWII, .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic pistol. It is fed by a single stack detachable magazine. Though lesser known than some of Colt’s other products of the era, production spanned 22 years, from 1955 to 1977.
Born of growing demand for a more cost-effective rimfire platform, the Huntsman saved with fixed sights and fewer options. Barrel lengths were available in either 4.5 or 6-inches. Though considered “fixed sight” models at the time, the Huntsman actually used a drift adjustable rear, while the taller standing front could be filed for minor elevation adjustment, though we’ve yet to find that necessary.
Though built to be a more budget-friendly option, the Huntsman retains the quality blued steel and hardwood grips that age gracefully and catch the eye of American plinkers and collectors. The right-sided safety lever doubles as the slide release. The lack of additional controls, takedown levers, and the like adds to the sleek, modern appearance of the piece. The lines and slide are slim, as is the single stack grip frame. The magazine release is at the base of the grip and actuates by pulling back slightly. If the magazine doesn’t willingly drop free, the extra lip on the base plate allows shooters to physically assist the remove.
Lineage of the Huntsman
The Huntsman, is by its direct kinship to the Woodsman, another knockout among John Browning designs. With the Woodsman in production from 1915 through to 1977 in one form or another, the Huntsman found a shorter, although substantial production, running concurrently with third series Woodsman arms.
The fact that the Huntsman was a more budget-priced model at the time meant that more were pressed into harder use, because let’s face it, we all tend to be a bit less kind to a cheaper firearm. That, in turn, makes it a bit more unusual to find high-condition original Huntsman pistols at pocketbook-friendly prices.
The Long Line of Colt Rimfire Pistols
In addition to the Woodsman and Huntsman, the Colt Challenger was a contender in its own right. Launched in 1950, the Challenger remained in production for only five years when the Huntsman took its place. While the Huntsman fits the bill in terms of overlooked or underappreciated Colt rimfire pistols, there is perhaps one other that’s even more shunned.
The Targetsman was similarly marketed as a more affordable option, and though we don’t generally find it as attractive in a classic sense, there are few complaints on the functioning of any Colt rimfires. At the opposite end of the Colt rimfire pistol spectrum, rarities like clean Colt Match Target rimfire variants are commanding substantial collector interest and the price tag to match demand.
Our GDC Vault Gun
We were more than a bit surprised to find multiple Huntsman pistols at the GDC Vault when we went on a quest for underappreciated firearms. The one we selected wears a 6-inch barrel. Its hardwood grips are nicely checkered and lend it the expected look and patina of its age.
Though considered a more budget-friendly gun, the fit and finish is quite neat and tight. The rear slide serrations are thin and offer nice grip, with the weighty steel slide moving easily. There’s a matte finish to the top of the slide strap and receiver, which cuts down glare but is not quite as appealing a finish as straight gloss bluing, though that becomes a matter of personal preference.
Though the Huntsman single stack magazines are reported to be interchangeable with later series Woodsman 10-rounders, the mag accompanying our gun held 9 rounds and functioned flawlessly. The rear sight is a fairly basic affair, but is drift adjustable for windage with light indexing marks atop the slide. The raring Colt pony adorns the left side of the frame along with the Huntsman branding.
Our test gun from the Vault included the original box. While not a necessity to have the box with guns purchased for investment or collectability, it is a major boon. Though this particular box has seen better days, having the original packaging, especially when serial matched to the gun, trips our trigger every time.
Conclusion
No matter the Colt rimfire repeating pistol you own, shoot, or yearn for, the fact remains that those American-made, cold steel, vintage pieces will continue to be revered and collected. Even beyond that, they’re shooters, plain and simple.
