Colt Camp Perry Pistol

by
posted on September 15, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
jpcppistol.jpg

Above: Approximately 2,500 Camp Perry pistols were marketed by Colt between the years 1920 and 1941. This unusual model was created by replacing the 6-shot cylinder of the .22 Officer's Model Target with flat "cylinder" containing one .22 cal. chamber. Serial no. 1769. Photo courtesy of NRA National Firearms Museum.

The Colt Camp Perry was a target pistol originally manufactured Colt in the period between WWI and WWII. The Camp Perry was named for the legendary National Matches venue, and was based on the Officer's Model .22 caliber revolver. The Camp Perry was only offered in .22 Long Rifle.

null
The Colt Camp Perry Pistol fired using a single action mechanism, had an exposed hammer and 10” barrel

Colt began advertising the Camp Perry in 1920, although production did not begin until 1926. When it did enter production, the Camp Perry became renowned for its superior accuracy, largely due to the fact that the “flat cylinder” (which replaced the six-shot cylinder of the Officer Model Revolver) lined up with the barrel better than most other competition pistols of the time.

In reality, the Camp Perry never really caught on, despite its reputation for accuracy amongst competition shooters. Only 2,500 were manufactured over its fifteen-year production run from 1926-41. In modern times, Camp Perry's are very valuable among collectors of Colt products or pistols. The Camp Perry marked with the Serial No. 1 was auctioned in December 2012 at an estimated value of $95,000.

The most distinctive feature of the Camp Perry is the “flat cylinder", in which a single .22 Long Rifle cartridge could be loaded. This cylinder was hinged in the manor of a conventional cylinder, although movement was restricted so that the chamber was only just accessible to load the cartridge. A manual ejector rod can be found on the underside of the barrel, which allowed the cartridge to be ejected after firing.

null
The cylinder was hinged in the manor of a conventional cylinder, although movement was restricted so that the chamber was only just accessible to load the cartridge.

Otherwise, the Camp Perry reflected the revolver upon which it was based, the Officers Model. It fired using a single action mechanism, had an exposed hammer and 10” barrel (later models had 8” long barrels). The Camp Perry was manufactured from steel, with some blued, some finished in stainless steel, and others engraved, all to order.

Latest

USPSA 40K Members 1A
USPSA 40K Members 1A

USPSA Membership Surges Past 40,000, Shattering All-Time Record

USPSA & Steel Challenge top 40,000 members for the first time, marking a major milestone and reflecting booming grassroots participation and competitive growth.

New: Laser Ammo Flash Bolt For AR Dry-Fire Training

Laser Ammo’s new Flash Bolt turns your AR into a dry-fire practice powerhouse.

Bunker Club Fuels 22 Junior Athletes With 2025 Grants

Bunker Club awards 22 junior shooting athletes $6,363 each to support their competitive journey in 2025.

4 Illinois Rifle Teams Set Sights On 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals

Four Illinois rifle teams set their sights on the 2025 NRA F-Class Nationals, ready to compete in Mid-Range and Long-Range events.

USPSA: Celebrating Growth, Fueling The Future

USPSA celebrates surpassing 40,000 members, with growing participation signaling a dynamic new chapter for the practical competition shooting community.

Competitors’ Corner: July 2025

Highlights from the July 2025 issue of Shooting Sports USA, the NRA’s competitive shooting journal.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.