The Colt Lightning rifles were Colt's most successful attempt to compete with Winchester, Remington, Marlin, and others in the lucrative repeating rifle market but were still sold in relatively small numbers despite being very fast actions and reliable. 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. This rifle was manufactured in the first year of production and is in exceptionally fine condition, making it a standout piece of Colt heritage. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the filled rear sight dovetail, has the caliber designation "40-60-260" on the upper left flat towards the breech, and is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight. The rifle is equipped with a Lyman tang peep sight. The half length magazine is a special order feature. The left side of the frame is stamped with a Rampant Colt. The serial number appears on the lower tang. The forearm has multipoint checkering, and the plain straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 28 inch octagon barrel in .40-60-260 caliber, blue finish, "wood" stock, and special order half magazine. The letter also states the rifle was shipped to Western Arms & Cartridge Co. (address not listed), which had locations in Chicago and East Alton, Illinois, on September 14, 1887. This was a two gun shipment. Also included is a copy of a 1943 dated letter from the Colt factory that provides a previous owner of this rifle information about the ballistics of the 40-60-210 cartridge.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine retain 90% plus bright original blue finish and the receiver retains 85% plus bright original high polish blue finish with the overall balance thinning to brown and the lower tang having a mix of original blue and smooth gray patina. Traces of original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. The buttplate has a smooth gray patina along with file-like marks and a patch of pitting. 95% original case colors remain in the hammer. The wood is very fine showing some minor dings and scratches and some blemishes in the overall crisp forearm checkering. Mechanically excellent. This early production, three digit serialized, special order Colt Large Frame Express Lightning Rifle will be a welcomed addition to any antique American longarm collection. It is not often that we catalog these express rifles in such high condition, let alone one with any special order features.