Make: Traditions

Model: Lightning Bolt-Action

Serial#: 14-13-005714-01

Year of Manufacture: Modern

Caliber: .50 Caliber (209 Primer Ignition)

Action Type: Single-Shot, Bolt-Action Inline Muzzleloader Rifle

Markings: The barrel is marked “Traditions Lightning .50 Caliber” along with serial number “14-13-005714-01” and manufacturer's proof marks.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: This rifle is equipped with factory fiber-optic sights, featuring a green fiber-optic adjustable rear sight and a red fiber-optic front blade sight that is slightly damaged.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle features a black polymer stock with molded checkering on the forend and pistol grip areas. The stock shows minor handling marks and slight scuffs consistent with normal use. The stock is in Very Good to Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 95% of its original matte blued finish. There are scattered minor handling marks, particularly around high-contact areas such as the muzzle and bolt handle. Screwheads remain sharp and unmarred. All markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The bolt operates properly, and lock-up is tight and secure. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle includes an original ramrod.

Our Assessment:

The Traditions Lightning Bolt-Action Inline Muzzleloader represents a practical and affordable choice for hunters seeking reliable performance without unnecessary complexity. Chambered in .50 caliber and utilizing modern 209 shotgun primer ignition, this rifle offers efficient loading, reliable ignition, and solid accuracy for hunting or recreational shooting. The bolt-action design provides straightforward operation and easy maintenance, particularly appealing to hunters who value simplicity and reliability in the field.

With its rugged polymer stock and matte blued finish, this Lightning rifle is built to withstand adverse hunting conditions, making it an excellent option for challenging environments. While designed primarily for hunting, the rifle’s adjustable fiber-optic sights provide rapid target acquisition and dependable accuracy at typical muzzleloader distances. Despite minor cosmetic wear to the ramrod and slight fouling within the bore, the rifle remains mechanically sound, well-maintained, and capable of reliable performance.

Overall, this Traditions Lightning offers solid value and dependable function, ideally suited for the hunter looking for an affordable and easy-to-use inline muzzleloader that consistently performs when it counts most.