Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this EXTREMELY EARLY semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Challenger with Serial Number 35-C!
Finding a Colt Challenger with the serial number 35-C—representing the 35th example ever produced—is an exceptionally rare and highly desirable occurrence, especially when accompanied by its original factory box. Early production Colts, particularly those within the first few dozen manufactured, are seldom encountered on the open market due to their immediate appeal to advanced collectors and their tendency to remain in long-term collections. The presence of the original box further elevates this example into a true collector-grade piece, as complete packages from such early production runs are incredibly scarce. For serious Colt enthusiasts, a low serial number Challenger like this represents not only rarity, but a tangible connection to the very beginning of the model’s production history, making it a standout and investment-worthy firearm.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Challenger
Serial: 35-C
Date of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 4.5"
Optics/Sights: U-Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Two-Piece Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Challenger is a classic rimfire semi-automatic pistol produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company, designed as a more affordable alternative to the iconic Woodsman series while still maintaining Colt’s reputation for quality and performance. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle and utilizing a simple blowback design with a fixed barrel, the Challenger is known for its excellent accuracy, smooth shooting characteristics, and dependable reliability. Its clean lines, ergonomic grip angle, and straightforward controls make it an ideal platform for target shooting, training, and recreational use, offering shooters a refined rimfire experience without the premium cost of its Woodsman counterpart. From a collector and enthusiast standpoint, the Challenger has gained increasing recognition as a desirable vintage Colt rimfire, particularly as interest in mid-century Colt pistols continues to grow. While originally marketed as an economy model, well-preserved examples—especially those with original finish, correct magazines, and factory boxes—are becoming harder to find. Early production guns and high-condition examples carry a premium, as they represent Colt’s ability to deliver both performance and craftsmanship in a more accessible package. Today, the Challenger stands as a balance of shootability and collectibility, making it an appealing addition for both seasoned collectors and those entering the Colt rimfire market.
Contents:
Model: Challenger
Serial: 35-C
Date of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 4.5"
Optics/Sights: U-Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Two-Piece Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Challenger is a classic rimfire semi-automatic pistol produced by Colt's Manufacturing Company, designed as a more affordable alternative to the iconic Woodsman series while still maintaining Colt’s reputation for quality and performance. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle and utilizing a simple blowback design with a fixed barrel, the Challenger is known for its excellent accuracy, smooth shooting characteristics, and dependable reliability. Its clean lines, ergonomic grip angle, and straightforward controls make it an ideal platform for target shooting, training, and recreational use, offering shooters a refined rimfire experience without the premium cost of its Woodsman counterpart. From a collector and enthusiast standpoint, the Challenger has gained increasing recognition as a desirable vintage Colt rimfire, particularly as interest in mid-century Colt pistols continues to grow. While originally marketed as an economy model, well-preserved examples—especially those with original finish, correct magazines, and factory boxes—are becoming harder to find. Early production guns and high-condition examples carry a premium, as they represent Colt’s ability to deliver both performance and craftsmanship in a more accessible package. Today, the Challenger stands as a balance of shootability and collectibility, making it an appealing addition for both seasoned collectors and those entering the Colt rimfire market.
Contents:
As you can see from the many high-resolution photos, this example remains in Excellent condition, showing no signs of regular consumer use or handling. Additionally, this example will ship with the Factory-Original Colt Challenger box and paperwork as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1167636154 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-04-19 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
0 |
