Review of an Overlooked Colt: The Huntsman :: Guns.com

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 Huntsman hails from a long line of Colt rimfire pistols. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

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 Huntsman is just one of many classic Colt rimfire pistols. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

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.

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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.

The patina add to the “cool factor” of this gun. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

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.

The Huntsman features classic wood grips that are nicely checkered. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

The Huntsman features a euro-style heel magazine release. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

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 rare Colt pony adorns the left side of the frame along with the Huntsman branding.

This Colt Huntsman has it’s original box, which is a major boon for collectors. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

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.