Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle Medium Frame Carbine .32-20 26”, 1890 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,320.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP159
Make: Colt
Model: Lightning Magazine Rifle, Medium Frame Carbine
Serial Number: 52753
Year of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .32 W.C.F. (.32-20 Winchester)
Action Type: Slide / Pump Action, Full Length Tube Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLTS PT.F.A MGF.CO HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED MAY 29. SEPT.1883. MAY26.85. JUNE 15.85. FEB.22.87. / 32 CAL”. The lower tang is marked “52753”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver blade set between a base dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a three-piece checkered slide handle, straight grip, straight comb and steel carbine buttplate. The stocks have some scattered compression marks and scratches. The checkering has smoothed at the peaks. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light to dark patina from the heel over the face to the toe. There is a crack in the stock by the upper tang. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is worn. There is some mild erosion down the length. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operation wear. There are areas with finish wear. The leading edges of the barrel have finish loss. There is some pitting present in the barre and intermittent corrosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was Colt’s answer to the popular Winchester lever actions of the late 19th century, offering a slide-action (pump) alternative that could deliver rapid fire with a smooth cycling motion. Produced in three frame sizes to accommodate different cartridges, the medium-frame rifles and carbines—like this example—were chambered in mid-power centerfire rounds such as .32-20 WCF, making them well-suited for small game hunting, varmint control, and even defensive use. Manufactured in 1891, this carbine falls well within the antique category, adding to its collector appeal.
This example retains about 85% of its original blued finish, showing honest operational wear, some thinning at the leading edges, and areas of pitting and corrosion consistent with its age. The walnut stocks have light scattered compressions and scratches, with the slide handle’s checkering smoothed from handling. There is a crack near the upper tang, but otherwise, the wood is solid and fits well. The bore remains semi-bright with worn but visible rifling and mild erosion, rating about 8/10 for an antique. Mechanically, the action functions properly, and the markings remain clear. With its desirable octagonal barrel, original finish, and overall well-preserved state for a 133-year-old firearm, this Colt Lightning would make a fine addition to a 19th-century American arms collection and still serves as a great example of Colt’s venture into repeating long guns. Please look at our photos and good luck on your bid! -N.P.
