Colt Camp Perry Model

Colt's Manufacturing Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1926

Also known as: Camp Perry Model, Colt Camp Perry Single Shot

Overview

The Colt Camp Perry Model is a single-shot target pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle, produced by Colt between 1926 and 1941. Named after the National Matches site at Camp Perry, Ohio, it was built on the same frame and grip as the Colt Officer's Model revolver, but in place of the revolving cylinder it used a single chamber block that swung out to the side for loading. Hinged at the rear, this flat chamber locked the cartridge in line with a one-piece barrel, eliminating the cylinder gap of a revolver and improving accuracy. With its exposed hammer, single-action trigger and adjustable target sights, it was marketed to competitive bullseye shooters during the interwar years.

Specifications

Weight (empty)635 g (22.4 oz)
Overall Length349 mm (13.74")
Barrel Length254 mm (10.00")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle Energy141 J (104 ft·lbf)
Effective Range50 m (55 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 2,500 · Production years: 1926-1941

Colt advertised the model from 1920 but production did not begin until 1926; about 2,500 were made before it was dropped in 1941.

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Designer: Colt's Manufacturing Company

Discontinued: 1941

Notes

Early production used a 10-inch (254 mm) barrel; from 1934 the barrel was shortened to 8 inches (203 mm). Approximately 2,500 were produced over the run, making surviving examples collectible.

Background

The pistol takes its name from Camp Perry, Ohio, the home of the National Matches and a mecca of American competitive marksmanship. By disguising a single-shot target pistol within the familiar lines of the Officer's Model revolver, Colt gave precision shooters a purpose-built match arm that handled like the revolvers they already trained with.