This highly sought after Large Frame Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was manufactured in 1888 and is chambered for the powerful .50-95 Express cartridge. Only 6,496 Large Frame Lightnings were manufactured compared to nearly 90,000 each of the Medium and Small Frame versions. The rifle is fitted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The barrel has the two-line address/patent dates marking on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and "50-95-EX." on the upper left flat at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the frame. The forearm features multi-point checkering and the plain straight grip stock is fitted with a solid crescent steel buttplate.
Very fine. The receiver, bolt and trigger guard assembly retains 85% plus bright original polish blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The barrel and magazine tube retain 50% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina and some pitting on the barrel. 40% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with a few extremely small chips visible at the upper tang juncture, minor dings and scratches and some blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
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