Antique Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle in .44-40
Manufactured in 1896, this Colt Lightning slide-action rifle is a solid example of the medium-frame variation. These rifles, often used on the Frontier, are rarely found in high condition due to hard use. The medium frame was the first of Colt’s Lightning slide-action rifles and shared chamberings with the iconic Single Action Army revolvers, making it ideal for those carrying both rifle and revolver ammunition.
The rifle features a short pump action, allowing for quick follow-up shots, with some even using the trick of holding the trigger and pumping the action for lightning-fast shots. It’s equipped with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight, with the barrel stamped with Colt’s two-line Hartford address and patent dates ahead of the rear sight, and “44 Cal.” at the breech. The Rampant Colt is stamped on the left receiver, and the upper tang has a drilled and tapped hole (filler screw absent). The stock is a plain straight grip fitted with a crescent buttplate.
Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and some scratches on the receiver. The reoiled wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
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