The M1877 was designed by one of the inventors of the Colt Single Action Army, William Mason, as Colt's first attempt at manufacturing a double-action revolver. It was the first successful US-made double-action cartridge revolver and was offered from the factory in two basic finishes: nickel-plated or a blued with a case-colored frame. The revolver was available in barrel lengths from 2.5" to 5.5". The shorter-barreled versions had no provision for an ejector rod were marketed as "shopkeeper's specials" for use as a concealable pocket pistol.
The pistol was offered in three different calibers; the .32 "Rainmaker", the .38 "Lightning" and the .41 "Thunderer". None of these nicknames were Colt designations, nor used by the factory in any reference materials. Both terms were coined by Benjamin Kittredge, one of Colt's major distributors. Kittredge was responsible for the terms "Peacemaker" for the Single Action Army, "Omnipotent" for the Colt M1878 double-action (often known as the "Frontier" model), and nicknames for the various chamberings of the New Line models.
Outwardly, the Model 1877 shows a striking resemblance to the Colt Single Action Army revolver, however, it is scaled down slightly and much thinner in dimension. The bird's head grips were of checkered rosewood on the early guns and hard rubber on the majority of later-production guns.
The "Lightning" was the favored personal weapon of Old West outlaw John Wesley Hardin, who frequently used both "Lightning" and "Thunderer" versions; and the "Thunderer" was the preferred weapon of Billy the Kid, and was even carried by him when he was killed by Pat Garrett in 1881. Doc Holliday was also known to carry a nickel-plated "Thunderer" in his waistband as an accompanying gun to his nickel-plated Colt 1873. Both had ivory grips.
This particular M1877 is a "Lightning" chambered in .38 Colt. Sometimes nicknamed a "Storekeeper" or "Sherriff" Model, this colt features a short factor 3.5" barrel with no provision for an ejector rod. This configuration is considered by many to be Colt's first attempt at a "concealed carry" pistol.
This Lightning is mechanically excellent and features a pleasing patina with no major rust or pitting. Its serial number places its date of manufacture in 1903.
This pistol functions flawlessly on both double and single action and features a solid lock up.
The black hard rubber grips are in great shape with no cracks or chips and fit the pistol very well.
Most of the serial numbers match, however the trigger guard serial number is different that the number marked on the frame.
The bore and all six chambers are good with no major rust and some minor pitting throughout. The rifling in the bore is quite strong with no rust or major pitting.
Included with this handsome little pistol is an antique holster which roughly dates to the 1920's. It fits the pistol very well and appears to have been made for it specifically.
*This weapon was made after 1899 and MUST be shipped to a Federal Firearms License holder, or Curio & Relic License holder, for transfer. Never bought a gun through an FFL before? Give us a call at (262) 473-5444 and we'd be glad to walk you through this simple process.
