Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle Small Frame .22 Slide Action Rifle 1903 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,125.01

LSB#: LSB250531RR018

Make: Colt

Model:  Lightning Magazine Rifle (Small Frame)

Serial Number: 77664

Year of Manufacture: 1903

Caliber: .22 Short & Long (not Long Rifle)

Action Type: Slide Action, Fed by Tubular magazine

Markings: The lower tang is marked with the serial number “77664”. On the left shoulder of the barrel is marked “22 Cal”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / PATENED MAY 29. SEPT 8. 83. MAY 23. 85. JUNE. 15. 86. FEB 22. 87”. The left side of the receiver has a Colt Rampant. 

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is u-Notch dovetailed to the barrel. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood with a straight grip, straight comb, smooth single piece pump grip, and Colt checkered hard rubber buttplate. The stock has a few scratches and compression marks. The stock also has a few paint stains. There is a hairline crack in the heel at the buttplate. The toe has been shaved and there is a loss in the toe of the buttplate. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is moderate to heavy erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear and some oxidization. There is some rust in the grooves of the scratches and between the barrel and the magtube. There are nicks along the length of the barrel. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are worn but visible. The rampant on the receiver is crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good 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: The Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was Colt’s bold entry into the slide-action rifle market, and the Small Frame variant—like this example chambered in .22 caliber—was designed specifically for the sporting and gallery shooting crowd. Manufactured in 1903, this rifle is a product of Colt’s push to compete with Winchester’s dominance in the lever-action market, offering a fast-firing, manually operated repeater with a distinctive and reliable pump-action mechanism. This example retains approximately 65% of its original blued finish with legible markings and only scattered wear and oxidation consistent with its age. The action cycles correctly and the wood furniture, though showing signs of honest use, remains in Good condition overall with no major structural flaws.

While the bore exhibits moderate erosion and would benefit from a deep cleaning, the presence of worn rifling still offers some potential for functionality. More importantly, this rifle’s appeal lies in its collectibility and historical significance. Colt Lightning rifles—particularly the Small Frame rimfire models—are sought after by collectors for their limited production numbers and unique place in Colt’s long history of long guns. This is a handsome example with original finish and mechanical integrity, perfect for fans of early slide-action designs, Colt aficionados, or anyone looking to add a rare and iconic rimfire repeater to their collection. Please look at our photos of this rifle and good luck on your bid!- N.P.