This exceptional Colt Lightning Medium Frame Magazine Rifle was manufactured in 1891 and has an octagonal barrel with a full-length magazine tube, German silver blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, "COLTS PT.F.A.MFG.CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A./PATENTED MAY 29. SEPT.18.83. MAY 26.85. JUNE 15.86.FEB.22.87." in two lines and "38 Cal." marked on the top barrel flat, sliding breech cover, casehardened hammer, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left side of the frame, serial number on the lower tang, two-piece checkered pump handle, smooth straight wrist buttstock, and blued crescent buttplate. Colt introduced the Lighting slide action rifle is 1884 and production continued until 1902. Colt manufactured approximately 89,777 Lighting Medium Frame Magazine Rifles during 1884-1902. They competed against lever action designs by Winchester and Marlin as well as bolt action rifles on the sporting market. Some were used for defensive and offensive purposes as well, including by some Mexican revolutionaries and western lawmen, including most widely by the San Francisco Police.

Exceptionally fine with 90% plus original blue finish remaining, fading mostly on the buttplate and upper tang, several patches of surface oxidation on the magazine tube and bottom forward trigger guard tang, bright original case colors, and generally only light handling and storage type marks. The wood is also excellent and has crisp checkering, smooth oil finish, and a few small marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent.