United States Fire Arms Lightning Deluxe 38-40 Win WCF Pump Side Gate Rifle
SOLD FOR: $4166
LSB#: 220221SB038
Make: United States Fire Arms MFG. Co. (USFA)
Model: Standard Lightning Deluxe
Serial Number: 2517
Year of Manufacture: 1993 – 2009
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)
Action Type: Pump-Action Side-Gate Loaded Rifle fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “U.S. FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED MAY 29. SEPT 18.83. MAY 26.85.JUNE 15.86. FEB. 22.87” and “38 CAL”. The serial number “2517” is stamped into the metal extension from the trigger guard on the underside of the wrist. The action arm is marked “812” just behind the forend facing the magazine tube.
Barrel Length: 26” Half-Round, Half-Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the top of the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is U-notch insert with a white diamond reference buckhorn sight dovetailed into the top of the octagonal part of the barrel with an elevator.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are three-piece wood with checkered two-piece schnabel forend, checkered semi-pistol grip, straight comb and glossy black metal contoured buttplate. There is no notable wear or damage, just light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has only light handling marks. The stocks are in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Color accents on hammer and extractors on receiver.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is a light scratch on the left top of the receiver. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle is a replica of the Lightning made by the United States Fire Arms Mfg Co. (USFA) after they bought and took over the old Colt factory in Hartford, Connecticut. Originally, around the 1880s, Colt was looking to diversify but both Remington and Winchester had the rifle market sewn up. Besides their lever-actions, there were also new slide action rifles: the user pumped a moving arm set under the barrel and around a tubular magazine, kicking out a spent round and loading a new one with every “stroke”. Colt concentrated on this design concept and in 1884 introduced a gun with a short slide action that was so slick and so fast; they dubbed it the “Lightning”. The advertising said it all: “Nothing was faster than lightning”. Dr. William H. Elliot, a dentist by trade, designed the gun. Half hobby, half side job, Elliot liked to tinker with things and over the course of his life came up with at least 130 inventions. Since he lived in Ilion, New York, he often walked down to neighboring Remington and showed them the interesting things he was working on and when Remington didn’t bite on his new rifle design, he sent a letter to Colt, who loved it. Since then, USFA has applied their same dedication to quality in producing replicas of these historic designs. This gorgeous rifle will make a great addition to any collection. Don’t let it slip away! Good luck in your bidding!