3286

Scarce Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle with Bayonet Lug

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Scarce Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle with Bayonet Lug
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $1600 - 2250
Manufactured in 1889. The Lighting was the first slide-action rifle Colt produced and was intended to be the companion piece to the Colt SAA revolvers in the same calibers. This rifle features a blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. Top of the barrel is marked with two-line Hartford address and the '83, '85, '86 and '87 patent dates ahead of the rear sight as well as "44 Cal." on the left side at the breech, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. Bayonet lug mounted on the right side, muzzle end of the barrel, and fitted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel carbine buttplate. (Writer recalls seeing these with a brass handle sabre type bayonet, which is not included.)
BBL: 27 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 33778
Condition: Very good as period refinished. The barrel retains 30% blue finish, mainly on the lower portion protected by the magazine tube, with a smooth mottled patina on the balance. The magazine tube and receiver retain 80% blue finish with some areas thinning to a smooth plum. The magazine tube is a bit loose in the forward dove tail. There are a few minor dings on the right side of the receiver, some minor spotting and some minor spotting on the bolt. The wood is very good with scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. Clear markings. The action is fine.