Scarce Colt Camp Perry Model -3 Digit Serial- 8” .22LR C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,800
WOA#: WY240318RU031
Make: Colt
Model: Camp Perry
Serial Number: 672
Year of Manufacture: 1927
Caliber: 22lr
Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot, Rotating Breech, Rimfire Pistol
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with “ Colt’s Pt f.A. MFG. Co. Hartford. CT. USA. Patented JULY 4.1905. Oct 5. 1926” The left side of the barrel is marked “Cal.22 Long Rifle”; Left side of the frame has the Rampant Colt; Left side of the swing out block has “CAMP PERRY MODEL” Front top of trigger guard has “VP” in the triangle and the number “3” is on the rear left side trigger guard. The inside of the crane is marked with the serial number “672”
Barrel Length: 8 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is adjustable for elevation. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the topstrap, adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are some chips on the left stock but no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: none
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10. Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. The ejector rod, rear face of the breech block and breech-block latch have light operational wear. There are a few scattered light marks. There are minimal marks of oxidation under the handle. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Fine condition or better.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is crisp. The barrel locks up with barely perceptible play to the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Reproduction Box and Paper make a wonderful display for this piece of military history
Our Assessment: The Colt Camp Perry is one of the most rare Colt cartridge pistols, with only 2,488 produced in all. With the barrel fixed in the breech block, the design is inherently more accurate than contemporary revolvers or autoloaders, but still has the same form-factor as a Colt Officer’s model, though it is more slim due to the lack of a cylinder or recoil shield. Despite the quality of the design and, according to a 1929 catalog listing:
“..having won every official match for .22 caliber single-shot pistols in which it has been entered, including the N.R.A. .22 Cal Slow-Fire Pistol Match, the U.S.R.A. 50-yard Pistol Championship and the 50-meter-International Pistol Match”…,
interest in the pistol was limited, and the model was finally discontinued in 1941 after 20 years of production.
This example is an 8″ model from 1927 and is in Very Fine-plus condition. It retains about 97% of its metal finish with a great bore and strong and smooth mechanics. This is a great example of the Colt Camp Perry, perfect for both the target shooter and the Colt collector. This pistol really made me smile. I am very pleased to offer up for bidding this incredible piece of miracle machinery showing exactly what Colt could do. This three digit serial number Colt in almost perfect condition is something most colt collectors only dream of owning. I encourage you to look at the pictures and appreciate the quality and condition of this item.
K.F.
