Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle CLMR Med Frame 44-40 26” Pump Action Antique

Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.

Final Auction Price: $—

Identification

MMA#: 251003DL002

Make: Colt

Model: Lightning Magazine Rifle, Medium Frame

Serial Number: 5925

Year of Manufacture: 1885

Caliber: .44-40 WCF (.44-40 Winchester)

Action Type: Slide or Pump Action with Loading Gate and Full Length Tube Magazine

Barrel Length: 25 3/4 Inches

Sights / Optics

The front sight is a brass blade set in a dovetailed base. The blade appears to be soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a barrel mounted semi buckhorn U notch blade with an adjustable riser.

Stock Configuration and Condition

The hardwood stock has a straight grip, checkered forearm, straight comb, and a crescent metal buttplate. The forearm shows scrapes and compression marks, mostly small. The buttstock shows scratches, scrapes, and compressions with a carved letter C on the left side. There is minor wood loss at the top tang. The LOP is 13 1/2 inches. The buttplate shows surface erosion and age wear. The stock is in about Very Good condition as a refinished antique.

Type of Finish

Blue

Finish Originality

Original. The metal has been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition

The bore is light gray with deep rifling. There is erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition

This rifle retains about 10 percent of its current metal finish. Most of the cold blue treatment has worn away. The metal shows scratches, scrapes, oxidation, and scattered surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The markings remain well defined. The rampant colt is present though light. The screw heads show use. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics

The action functions correctly. This firearm has not been test fired. A full cleaning may be needed to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork and Accessories

None.

Our Assessment

In the 1880s, Colt was eager to enter the rifle market, which was then dominated by Remington and Winchester. Slide action rifles were gaining popularity at the time, and Colt took advantage of the opportunity. In 1884 they introduced the Lightning, designed by Dr. William H. Elliot, who held more than one hundred patents and lived near Remington’s factory. When Remington declined his design, Colt adopted it enthusiastically.

The Lightning earned its name from its fast, slick slide action. The medium frame version chambered in .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 was the most popular, pairing easily with cartridges used in Colt’s own Single Action Army and Winchester rifles. Production continued until Colt and Winchester eventually agreed to stay out of each other’s primary markets.

This rifle was made in 1885. It is a medium frame example in .44-40 and shows honest wear for its age of 140 years. It has a fair bore, solid mechanics, and good remaining markings. This is a desirable antique slide action rifle and would make a strong addition to a vintage or black powder era collection.

Legality: ATF Antique, yes.

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