This is a very rare Colt Lighting Double Action Target Model revolver with nickel-plated frame and barrel and blued cylinder. The Target Model 1877 Double Action revolvers have a special top strap without sight groove fitted with a dove-tail mounted target rear sight. The special Target Model barrel has a target style block front sight base with removable nickel-silver front sight blade. The revolver was specially chambered for the .32 S&W cartridge. Currently the chambering is most likely 32 S&W Long. The model gun for the Model 1877 double action revolver is illustrated on page 328 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson. In his description, Wilson notes that: "The target type is one of the rarest variations of the Lightning series". Consignor notes included with this revolver state that it is one of three known examples of a Colt Model 1877 Double Action Target Model revolver. The revolver has black hard rubber birds head grips. The grips are checkered and embossed with the Rampant Colt logo in an oval. The trigger, top of the hammer and rear sight are blued. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the caliber designation: "32-S &W". The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line Hartford address. The Colt three-line/three-date patent marking is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The assembly number "183" is stamped on the back of the loading gate. The serial number "70246" is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and butt. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Very fine with replacement blued cylinder. The revolver retains nearly 90% of the original nickel-plated and blue finish. The nickel-plating has flaked on the muzzle, edges of the front sight sides of the frame and edges of the trigger guard and back strap. 75% of the blue finish on the cylinder, top of the hammer and trigger remains. The barrel and frame markings are sharp. The grips are in excellent condition. The action functions perfectly. This is a truly unique example of the rarest variation of the Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action revolvers!