Guns International #: 102491561
Seller's Inventory #: 230258

Category - Colt Rifles - Lightning - Antique Rifles - Cartridge

Category
Colt Rifles - Lightning
Antique Rifles - Cartridge

c1885 COLT LIGHTNING Slide Action .44-40 WCF Rifle WILD WEST Antique Pump Action Alternative to Winchester’s Model 1873

Description:
c1885 COLT LIGHTNING Slide Action .44-40 WCF Rifle WILD WEST Antique

Pump Action Alternative to Winchester’s Model 1873

Here we present an antique Colt Lightning Slide Action Rifle in .44, made circa 1885 in Hartford, Connecticut. The medium-frame Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was manufactured between 1884 and 1904. It was the first slide-action rifle offered by Colt. Colt records indicate 89,777 were produced, in .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 as a companion arm to the Colt Single Action Army revolver. These came in both a rifle version with a 26 inch barrel that held 15 rounds and a carbine version with a 20 inch barrel that held 12 rounds. This one has a 26” octagonal barrel with a crescent butt plate.

This was Colt’s entry into the pistol caliber rifle and carbine market, which was absolutely dominated by Winchester at this time. Pistol caliber rifles were instrumental in the hands of those settling the West, as they were able to carry one type of ammunition to feed both their long gun and their sidearm. It also enabled a rifle to be stoked with the maximum number of cartridges, sacrificing power for capacity, useful when outnumbered at close range. The Colt Lightning was fairly successful, but never approached the numbers that Winchester’s lever action were able to achieve.
This example is chambered in .44-40, a very strong and handy cartridge for hunting game yet more knock down power than the lighter calibers. This made a great companion rifle to go along with one’s “Colt .44” when out in the wilderness.

The overall condition is very good. Some original blue remains. The rampant Colt marking on the left side of the frame remains clear. The action is excellent. The bore is shiny bright with sharp rifling. The top receiver tang used to have a rear peep sight mounted there and two mounting screws will be included for those apertures. The walnut stock is in very good condition and solid, showing use. A nice Lightning, which was a great alternative to the Winchester Model 1873 and 1892 at the end of the 19th Century!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 26 inches.

Caliber: .44-40 WCF

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$2800

#230258

 

SOLD

Antique: Yes