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Excellent Early First Year Production Colt Large Frame Express Lightning Slide Action Rifle with Low

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 18,000.00 USD
Excellent Early First Year Production Colt Large Frame Express Lightning Slide Action Rifle with Low
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Excellent Early First Year Production Colt Large Frame Express Lightning Slide Action Rifle with Low Three Digit Serial Number and Factory Letter

Colt manufactured approximately 6,496 of these large frame rifles from 1887 to 1894 making it by far the most scarce of the Colt Lightning rifles. This rifle was manufactured in 1887, the first year of production. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two-line address and 1883, '85, '86 and '87 patent dates, the upper left rear of the barrel is marked "40 - 60 - 260" and the serial number is located on the lower tang. The left side of the receiver is marked with the Rampant Colt. The rifle has a blue finish with a casehardened hammer, dovetailed German silver blade front sight and adjustable sporting style rear sight. The rifle has a checkered forearm and smooth straight grip stock with a steel crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies the "Large Frame" configuration, caliber, 28 inch round barrel, blue finish, wood stock and that it was shipped as 1 of 5 to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company in Chicago, Illinois on July 16, 1887.

Manufucture: Colt
Model: Lightning-Rifle
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Guage: 40-60-260
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 194

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% original blue finish with some muzzle wear and some mild thinning. The receiver retains 95% original blue finish with thinning on the underside, some edge wear and a small area of smooth gray patina on the lower front corners. The trigger guard and lower tang have a mix of smooth mottled gray patina and original blue finish. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and handling marks, and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.