The medium frame Colt Lightning rifles were chambered in many of the same calibers as Winchester's Model 1873 and 1892 and could be paired just as conveniently with a Single Action Army in the same caliber. This example is chambered in .44-40, the same caliber as the "Frontier Six Shooter" version of the SAA. These rifles were rugged like their lever action competitors but could be fired even faster and were easier to keep on target while running the action for many shooters. You could hold the trigger and pump the action until the magazine was empty. Colt had recently tried to enter the market with the Burgess lever action with little success, but the slide action Lightning represented a different approach to a repeating rifle was far more successful. Prodigy marksman George S. Feagles of Menoken, North Dakota, favored the Lightning, and fellow trick shooter Annie Oakley also had one in her armory. Back in the East, the Connecticut National Guard had guardsmen on bicycles armed with Lightning rifles and SAAs in the 1890s. Ultimately, the Lightning was unable to dislodge the lever action as the repeating rifle of the West. The factory letter confirms the rifle's configuration, including the half magazine, and indicates it was the sole gun of this type in a shipment on May 28, 1888, to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. in Chicago, Illinois, a large distributor for many firearms that made their way farther west. The rifle has a replacement dovetailed "Rocky Mountain" blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, the usual Colt markings including "44 Cal." at the breech, a tang mounted peep sight, checkered two-piece slide handle, and smooth stock with rifle buttplate.

Fine with 60% plus original blue finish, silver-gray buttplate, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and generally light overall wear. The refinished wood is very good with crisp checkering, minor chips at the corners, and some light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive special order Colt Lightning and would pair excellently with a Colt "Frontier Six Shooter."