Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have what the consignor claims is the only Colt King Super Target Camp Perry pistol known. A 1941 Colt Camp Perry that received the full King upgrade treatment with ventilated rib, mirror-lit red post front sight, and Roper grips. The factory letter tells an unusual story. This pistol went to Colt president Samuel M. Stone’s office display case on May 8, 1941, returned to the factory six days later, then shipped to Walter P. Shoemake in Modesto, California the next day. That quick turnaround suggests either a special order or a demonstration piece that got sold.
The King Super Target vent rib runs the full length with “COLT-KING SUPER TARGET” marked on the left side. The barrel was cut down from the original 8 inches to 6⅜ inches and re-crowned. The mirror-lit red post front sight was King’s signature feature for serious target shooters. The Roper grips have finger grooves, checkering, and ivory extensions on the bottom. These weren’t cheap modifications; someone invested significant money transforming this single-shot .22 into a competition-grade pistol.
Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!
“King Super Target Colt Camp Perry Pistol with Factory Letter.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/4095/3368/king-super-target-colt-camp-perry-pistol-with-factory-letter. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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