Around the 1880s, Colt was looking to break into the rifle market, but faced steep competition from both Marlin and Winchester. Instead of competing in the already crowded lever action market, Colt opted to adapt a design developed by Dr. William H. Elliot, a dentist by trade, and a prolific inventor who came up with at least 130 inventions throughout his lifetime. Elliot's design was based on the "slide action"; in which the user pumped a moving arm set under the barrel and around a tubular magazine, kicking out a spent round and loading a new one with every “stroke”. As as a resident of Ilion New York, Elliot originally offered his design to Remington, who passed on the idea. He then went to Colt, who took great interest in it. By 1884 Colt had developed the idea into a full-fledged rifle; featuring a short slide action that was so slick and so fast; they dubbed it the “Lightning”. The advertising said it all: “Nothing was faster than lightning”.
The handy rifle’s tubular magazine could hold as many as 16 rounds, depending on caliber, which made it very attractive. It came in three varieties: small, medium, and large. Each of these guns had the same set up, with a deep-blued finish, case hardened hammer, American walnut stock and fore-end, and open rear and front sights. They were light, going 6.5-pounds or so.
The medium frame guns, chambered for .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 Winchester calibers, were the most popular, using some of the same cartridges as Colt’s Single Action Army and with ammunition already being produced for Winchester’s rifles. Ultimately, the Lightning rifle was short lived, as Winchester and Colt came to the agreement that Winchester would produce rifles, Colt would produce handguns, and nobody needed to make the market competition get ugly.
This particular Medium Frame Lightning rifle is in excellent condition. Chambered in .32-20, serial number dates puts this gun's date of manufacture in 1893, which classifies it as an "antique" and allows this gun to be shipped directly to your door without having to go through an FFL (in most states - check your local laws).
It remains in excellent condition, and is all original with no replacement parts, or holes drilled in the receiver for the mounting of after-market sights. It features a majority of its original bluing, which is beginning to take on a pleasing "plum" patina with age.
The action of this rifle is very positive - many Colt Lightnings are plagued by worn locking lugs; preventing the bolt from fully locking. However, this is NOT the case with this rifle - the action locks up as tight as a bank vault; making this gun very shootable.
The barrel is full length and features its original factory sights in original unmodified condition. The bore is very good with sharp rifling and no areas of heavy rust or pitting.
The stocks are in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or other damage.
This carbine would be a great shooter or collector's piece. Don't miss out on this iconic rifle!
