Manufactured in 1888, this is an outstanding example of Colt's "express" large frame lightning rifle. These "Express Model" rifles were the rarest of the series, and only 6,496 were manufactured in 1887-1894 compared to nearly 90,000 each of the Small and Medium frame versions. These rifles hit the market around the same time as Winchester's venerable Model 1886 and though they never saw the same popularity as their lever action competitor, they were every bit as capable of dispatching large game or stopping dangerous foes anywhere in the American west. Much like the lever actions these Colts competed with, these Lightning rifles were often viewed and used as workings guns and are rarely found in high condition like this example. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Colt address and patent dates, while the caliber marking is offset on the upper left flat. The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Rampant Colt trademark and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a multi-point checkered slide handle and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 85% of the original case colors on the hammer, some scattered minor scratches and patches of light freckling on the receiver, and some light edge wear. The wood is also excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and otherwise crisp checkering on the slide handle. Mechanically excellent. A Colt large frame Lightning rifle which would be very difficult to improve upon!