Knocking around in the desert is a pursuit I've enjoyed the better part of my life, and I still love doing it today. The desert southwest, particularly in New Mexico and Arizona (because of their large parcels of public land), is a great place to exercise a number of freedoms, along with just enjoying being free. One of the biggest considerations when preparing to knock around in the brush is what sort of firearm to pack. The contemplation of the perfect brush gun has been the subject of magazine articles for many years.

My own selection of brush-bustin' guns has been varied, though the most common has been a .22 Long Rifle of some sort. My dad was a stickler for having young shooters start out with a .22, and I was no exception. My first handgun was a Colt .22 single-action revolver, and I loved it. It was a great revolver, but I had long had my eye on one of dad's favorite carry guns, but I never could talk him into a trade. It was a short-barreled pre-war Colt Woodsman, and I thought it to be the finest .22 anyone could have.

Colt began manufacturing its .22-caliber automatic pistol in 1915, but it wouldn't actually take on its official Woodsman name until 1927. It was a sleek, finely made pistol that would become an American standard in the light-firearms world. Designed originally by none other than John Browning, the highly accurate and reliable little gun was popular with just about every shooter who handled it. The little Colt was available with either a 4 1/2- or 6 1/2-inch barrel and sported a 10-shot magazine. Most all of them were finished with the bright Colt blueing and fitted with finely checkered walnut grips. Both the front and rear sights were adjustable, and special-order gold bead front sights were available. The Woodsman package added up to a delightful, practical pistol.

The Woodsman was celebrated by some unlikely gun toters, too. Most gun enthusiasts are aware that the famous Gen. George Patton carried a variety of personal sidearms during his career. After becoming a general, Patton was permitted to design his own uniform and carry non-issued handguns. Most remember Patton carrying either a Colt 1911, Colt Single Action Army or his Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum. Patton also loved his Colt Woodsman .22 pistol.

During training exercises, Patton liked to carry his long-barreled Woodsman. I've heard that Patton actually carried the Woodsman while in Europe during the war, though I doubt it.

Some years ago, a story was circulating in certain circles regarding a Native American somewhere above the Arctic Circle who unfortunately turned the corner of an ice wall to find himself face to face with a large, perturbed polar bear. The man was armed with a handgun and shot the bear repeatedly. The pistol that killed the polar bear was a 41?2-inch Colt Woodsman.

I thought of that Eskimo's story often as I watched my dad shoot his short pre-war Woodsman. He carried the Colt almost all the time, along with several other guns of no particular choosing. During quail season, Dad didn't much care for shotguns. He much preferred picking off the heads of a few Gamble's quail with the accurate little Woodsman. He always said they tasted better when harvested that way.

A few years ago, I finally acquired my own little 41?2- inch pre-war Woodsman. My good friend NRA board member and midwest wildlife conservationist Lance Olson allowed me to beat him out of the little gun. Lance is a fancier of fine .22-caliber pistols and is partial to the Woodsman. My gun-trading skills have never been polished--I've had poor luck for the most part--but Lance did me a great turn with this Colt.

The little gun shoots like a champion and has been totally reliable. To top it off, my old pal and trader Joe Richardson at www.oldwesttreasures.com set me up with a great old Brill holster that fits the Woodsman perfectly.

I've not been without that Woodsman over the last year or so. It's a perfect desert gun. I think several of the Woodsman's long-time fanciers would agree.