Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle CLMR .44-40 Medium Frame 20″ Carbine Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
LSB#: LSB260602CL046
Make: Colt
Model: Lightning Magazine Rifle, Medium Frame, Carbine
Serial Number: 15326
Year of Manufacture: 1886 Antique
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester, 44 WCF
Action Type: Slide / Pump Action, Full Length Tube Magazine Fed carbine
Barrel Length: 20″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large tapered blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder style sight dovetailed to the barrel. The slider is missing. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is three piece smooth walnut, straight grip, straight comb, and carbine style metal buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are several spots where the sanding has left the metal proud. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The upper corner of the wrist is chipped away. There are some repaired cracks at the wrist. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Nickel, Case hardened.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is erosion and pitting throughout. There are several squib rings in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 3/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The barrel has worn to a brown patina with corrosion staining. The receiver has lost virtually all of its nickel plating. There is even pitting throughout. There are scattered scratches. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. The action bar lock does not work. Overall this rifle is in Poor condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The action bar lock is worn. Due to the mechanical and bore condition we do not recommend firing this rifle. 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 introduced in 1884 as Colt’s first slide-action repeating rifle and was produced in Small, Medium, and Large Frame variations. The Medium Frame was the most successful of the centerfire Lightnings, with 89,777 produced in .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 WCF. Standard Medium Frame carbines were furnished with 20″ round barrels, 12-round tubular magazines, carbine buttplates, and adjustable military-style sights. The standard finish was blue with a case-hardened hammer, although nickel plating and other special finishes could be ordered from Colt. Serial number 15326 falls squarely within the 1886 production range, which began at approximately serial number 12650.
This 1886 Colt Lightning Medium Frame Carbine is an appealing antique configuration in .44-40 WCF, though this example has seen extensive use and alteration. Virtually none of its original finish remains, with the barrel worn to a brown patina showing corrosion staining and even pitting, while the receiver has lost nearly all of its nickel plating. The refinished walnut furniture shows sanding, scratches, compression marks, repaired cracks through the wrist, and a chip at the upper corner of the wrist. The dark bore retains defined rifling but shows extensive erosion, pitting, and several squib rings and rates 3/10. Mechanically, the action bar lock is worn and does not function correctly. Given the compromised bore and mechanical condition, this rifle should not be fired without evaluation and repair by a qualified gunsmith. Despite its poor condition, this remains an interesting early Colt Lightning carbine in the classic .44-40 WCF chambering. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF