Manufactured in 1896, this is a solid representative example of the medium frame variation of Colt's Lightning slide action rifle. These rifles often saw hard use on the Frontier and are rarely found in high condition. The medium frame was the first of the Lighting type slide action rifles Colt produced, and these rifles shared chamberings with the factory's legendary Single Action Army revolvers, making them highly desirable in the American West. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. Colt proclaimed, "Nothing was faster than lightning!" These capable rifles have a short pump action that allow for quick follow up shots. One trick was to hold the trigger and pump the action for "lightning" fast shots. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight on a barrel stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The upper tang has a single drilled and tapped hole (filler screw absent). The plain straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and some scratches on the receiver. The reoiled wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.