Make: Colt

Model:  Lightning

Serial Number: 68211

Year of Manufacture: 1893

Caliber: .38 CLMR (.38-40 WCF)

Action Type: Pump action

Markings: Top of barrel is marked with “Colt’s PTFA MFG CO , HARTFORD CT, USA PATENTED MAY 29 SEPT 18 83 MAY 26 86 JUNE 15 86 FEB 27 87” and “38 Cal:” 

Barrel Length: 26”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed blade sight. The rear sight is an adjustable leaf sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a wood buttstock and wood pump grip. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition, with moderate superficial scratching throughout.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal Tube Magazine

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is strong. There is light erosion in the bore. There is corrosion throughout. The bore rate 6.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows aging and pitting under the finish. There is no major wear. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished

Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: Grab up one of Colt’s most beloved rifles today! The Colt Lightning was a competitor model to Winchester’s line of lever action repeaters. Colt originally offered a lever action of their own, the Colt Burgess Rifle. After backroom dealings with Winchester referred to as “The Gentleman’s Agreement”, the Burgess died an ignominious death in return for Winchester staying out of Colt’s revolver market. The Lightning carried on the torch that the Burgess dropped. Instead of a lever action, the Lightning used a pump action to reload after each shot, allowing for an astounding rate of fire. This is an early model “Medium Frame” Lightning that fires .38-40 WCF rounds. Grab this gun today and learn why so many people swear by Lightning.