Manufactured in 1888, this is an exceptional example of the popular Lightning Medium Frame rifle. The Lightning rifles were designed by Colt to try to get their name into the rifle market. Colt revolvers were world renowned, but Colt's competitors such as Winchester had the repeating rifle market cornered. The businessmen at Colt had a brilliant idea, make a rifle designed as a companion to their already enormously popular revolvers. The Lightning rifles have a quick, short pump action and were originally chambered in the same rounds as their popular revolvers. Their advertising slogan became "Nothing was faster than lightning." This example is fitted with German silver blade front and adjustable semi-buckhorn style rear sights with the two-line address/patents marking on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. The Rampant Colt is marked on the left side of the receiver, and it has a full length magazine, casehardened hammer and is mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and smooth straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Extremely fine. The barrel and receiver retain 90% plus original blue finish with some thinning, edge wear and a few minor scratches. The right top edge of the frame has some spots of oxidation. There is a social security number electro penciled on the lower tang. The magazine tube has faded to a smooth brown patina. The wood is very fine with a small chip of wood missing on the upper left side of the wrist, a few minor dents and handling marks and sharp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.