Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #101
Lot #100
Lot #102

Lot 101: Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle

Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Lot 101: Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle

Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Estimated Price: $2,250 - $3,250
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Lightning-Rifle
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 32-20 WCF
Barrel: 26 inch octagon
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4678
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 91
Class: Antique
Description:

Colt's Lightning rifles were introduced in the 1880s in an attempt to get Colt involved in the lucrative repeating rifle market dominated by Winchester, Marlin, and Remington. The Colt's prior attempt, the Burgess lever action rifles, was halted shortly after production began supposedly due to a back room agreement with Winchester that Colt would steer clear of lever action innovations and Winchester would not compete against Colt's revolvers. That agreement must not have included other repeating rifles given Colt released the Lightning the following year. They were manufactured until 1904 and though well received, hardly put a dent in Winchester's lever action sales. These medium frame rifles and carbines were the most popular because they were chambered for many of the same cartridges as Colt's famous Single Action Army. This example was manufactured in 1893 and has the standard later production markings and features and also has a tang mounted peep sight. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 26 inch octagon barrel in .32 caliber, blue finish and "wood" stock and states the rifle was shipped to Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 13, 1893.

Rating Definition:

Fine. 70% of the bright original blue finish remains overall. The balance has silver gray and dark brown patina, and there is some light spotting. The wood is fine as modified on the comb for the tang sight to rest and has crisp checkering, scattered minor marks, and some small chips including on the edge of the comb from the peep sight. Mechanically excellent.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #48: Antique Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver

    Lot #876: S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 Third Change Revolver

    Lot #2: Antique Winchester Model 1886 Rifle with Factory Letter

    Lot #1441: Colt King Cobra Revolver with Box, Case, and Factory Letter

    Lot #772: U.S. Colt Model 1917 Double Action Revolver with Letter

    Lot #1261: Colt New Service Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter