De Wilde Firearms

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This pistol was based on the Colt Woodsman Target, and was introduced in 1962 as the  “Challenger” in the United States and as the Target in Europe, this pistol was the middle quality range of the Browning .22 pistols between the Nomad (standard) and the Medalist (modele concours, match or modele 150 in Europe) 

The higher grades were introduced in 1971 and discontinued in 1974. The US version was discontinued in 1975 due to the shrinking dollar at the time, but in Europe the production continued as the model “Tir”. 700 were sold in  the USA. It was the development of the Nomad pistol to the Challenger 1, 2, 3 pistols and then the Medalist. 

This was a unlocked blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol with a detachable ten-shot box magazine with a clip catch on the bottom of the grip-frame The trigger was adjustable with an over-travel screw on the trigger and a screw to vary the spring tension located on the rear of the frame above the grip-frame. This model also had a slide stop to lock the slide open after the last shot. 

The International Medalist which was dedicated Olympic sport pistols. The International Medalist has a bull barrel with a ventilated rib. A counter weight can be fitted in front of the trigger guard. The rear sight has a micrometer adjustment for windage and elevation. The trigger is adjustable for weight of pull and backlash. The Medalist has a dry-firing mode of operation for practicing. There is no magazine safety.

To disassemble, lock the slide back, remove the clip, unscrew the barrel-retaining screw on the bottom of the frame, and rotate the barrel up and off. Release the slide. Reassemble in the reverse order. (ref. Pistols and revolvers, p601 by Smith + Smith, Price guide for collector handguns by R H Balderson )
De Wilde Firearms
99868