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" is in outstanding condition and features an overwhelming majority of its original factory-nickeled finish; along with beautiful factory-nitre bluing on the screws and the back of the hammer. Chambered in .38 Colt, this Lightning is mechanically excellent. Its serial number places its date of manufacture in 1880; meaning it is designated as an antique and can be shipped directly to buyers in most states without being transferred through an FFL holder.
This pistol functions flawlessly on both double and single action and features a solid lock up.
The original black hard rubber grips are in beautiful shape with no cracks or chips.
All the serial numbers match and there are no replacement parts.
The bore and all six chambers are very good with no rust or pitting throughout. The rifling is crisp and sharp.
This 1877 would be an equally good shooter or collector's item!
