Late-Production Colt Lightning CLMR Rifle, .38-40 Caliber
This Colt Lightning Rifle in .38-40 caliber is in a fine state of preservation. The metal components retain a lovely patina with significant traces of the original bluing and no signs of oxidation. Sold without accessories.
2 750€
Colt slide-action Lightning rifle
History
The Colt Lightning "Slide Action" Rifle and Carbine—known by the acronym CLMR—occupy a significant place in Colt’s 19th-century long-gun production. Unlike lever-action rifles—a market then largely dominated by Winchester and Marlin—Colt opted for a slide-action (pump-action) mechanism, offering an innovative and high-performance alternative. Produced in three sizes and several calibers, the line saw a total output of over 195,000 units, with nearly 90,000 being "Medium Frame" models. This version encompassed the .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40 calibers, which were highly prized for their compatibility with numerous Colt handguns. Thanks to their rapid rate of fire, handling ease, and smooth action, Colt Lightning rifles are highly sought-after today, serving as iconic artifacts of the American West's frontier era.
Our Model
This Colt Lightning Rifle in .38-40 caliber is in a fine state of preservation. The metal components retain a lovely patina with significant traces of the original bluing and no signs of oxidation. The manufacturer's address and caliber markings, engraved on the top of the barrel, are deeply stamped and perfectly legible. The famous Colt "prancing pony" mark on the receiver—traditionally a finer engraving—is also clearly visible. The serial number (85XXX) indicates manufacture during the final year of production: 1900. The original wood furniture shows some signs of use and an old repair—testaments to the firearm's history—yet remains in very good overall condition. The metal buttplate is perfectly fitted. Mechanically, this firearm is in excellent working order: the action is smooth and snag-free, and the mechanism responds perfectly.
The 26-inch barrel, chambered in .38-40, features a very clean bore with a smooth finish and crisp, deep rifling.
A sought-after classic among enthusiasts of American Old West firearms, this Colt Lightning Rifle serves as both a collector's item and a genuine shooter.
The firearm comes with a Category D classification certificate issued in Saint-Étienne.
Additional information
| Weight | 4 kg |
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