Engraved Pedersoli Colt Lightning Repro .44-40 W.C.F. 26” Pump Action Rifle

More Sold Fine European Arms

SOLD FOR: $2,325.00

LSB#: LSB251130SL013

Make: Davide Pedersoli, Italy

Model: Lightning Rifle (Reproduction of Colt Lightning)

Serial Number: PL01549

Year of Manufacture: 2013-2024 / Modern

Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F.

Action Type: Pump Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “PL01549”, with a circled “dp” logo, “PEDERSOLI – ITALY / CAL. 44/40 CAT. 13216” and with two Italian proof marks below. The top of the barrel is marked “MADE FOR CHERRY’S GREENSBORO, NC/ BY /DAVID PEDERSOLI OF ITALY”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number PL01549.

Engraving: The engraving is tastefully done scroll and vine work with the head of a mountain lion on the left and grapes and vines on the right. The mountain lion head is light.

Barrel Length: 26” Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up ladder sight which presents a fixed u-notch when down and a sliding u-notch leaf when up marked out 2-8.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks consist of a checkered wood two-piece forend and a buttstock with a straight grip, straight comb, and a blued carbine buttplate and trigger guard and a case hardened receiver and hammer. The wood has only minimal small scratches or handling marks. The checkering is sharp and there are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The case coloring on the receiver is strong and vibrant. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and is very smooth, with a very short movement. The hammer has a half cock notch. There is also a Pedersoli-designed trigger disconnect safety in front of the trigger guard that prevents slam firing. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Colt Lightning pump action rifle occupies a unique niche in late 19th century American firearms history, representing one of the few successful slide action rifle designs of the period. Originally introduced by Colt in the 1880s, the Lightning offered rapid repeat fire in popular pistol calibers and found favor among sportsmen and frontier users alike. Modern reproductions by Davide Pedersoli are widely regarded for their mechanical fidelity and elevated fit and finish, offering a historically grounded interpretation of the original design enhanced by contemporary manufacturing standards.

This example features a 26 inch round barrel chambered in .44-40 W.C.F., a cartridge closely associated with the original Lightning rifles and well suited to the platform. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling present, earning a strong 9.5 out of 10 rating. Approximately 98 percent of the original metal finish remains, with vivid case coloring on the receiver and crisp, well defined markings throughout. The tasteful engraved decoration adds visual interest, with scroll and vine motifs accented by a mountain lion head and grape clusters, reinforcing the rifle’s classic aesthetic without overwhelming the overall presentation.

The checkered wood stock set remains in fine condition, showing only minimal handling marks with sharp checkering and no cracks or chips observed. The action is notably smooth with a short, efficient stroke, characteristic of the Lightning design and a defining feature of its handling qualities. Overall, this Pedersoli Lightning reproduction presents as a finely executed modern pump action rifle that successfully captures the spirit and mechanical character of the original Colt design while offering excellent condition and strong visual appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!