Colt Lightning Sheriff Model DA 1877, .38 Caliber, Manufactured 1880

Colt Lightning Double-Action Revolver

History

The Colt Lightning 1877 was the first double-action revolver designed by the legendary Colt firm. Its design draws direct inspiration from the famous Colt Single Action Army (SAA), appearing as a scaled-down, modernized version of that model. The Lightning 1877 can thus be viewed as a natural evolution of the SAA, adapted to the growing demands of shooters at the time. While Colt had explored the double-action principle as early as the 1850s, the advent of the metallic cartridge truly enabled the implementation of this mechanism. Mechanically more sophisticated than the robust single-action models, the Colt Lightning 1877 proved more complex to disassemble and repair. However, despite its more delicate mechanism, it enjoyed great commercial success, with production exceeding 165,000 units. This model marked a major turning point for Colt, paving the way for a new generation of double-action revolvers that would gradually establish themselves alongside the still highly popular single-action models.

Our Model

This fine example of a Colt double-action revolver, chambered in .38 Colt, is an early 1880 production featuring the rare "Sheriff" configuration with an untouched short barrel. The metal parts are free of corrosion and retain a beautiful original nickel finish that remains largely intact. The acid-etched caliber marking—known as the "etched panel"—located on the side of the barrel is a particularly fragile detail, yet it remains clearly legible on this model. The address marking on the top of the barrel is clearly stamped in two lines—consistent with a 3½-inch barrel—as is the patent marking on the frame. The serial number (24XXX), which matches across the various components, indicates an early production model dating to 1880. The screws are well-preserved, with some retaining their original "fire blue" finish, testifying to a well-kept firearm that has seen little handling.

Mechanically, the revolver is in good working order in both single- and double-action modes. The action is smooth, the trigger pull crisp, and the cylinder indexing perfectly aligned—reflecting the high build quality characteristic of this model. Cylinder play and the barrel-cylinder gap are both minimal, which is remarkable for a revolver of this era. The .38 Long Colt caliber barrel features a smooth, satin-like bore with deep, well-defined rifling.

Finally, this collector's piece comes with its original Gutta-Percha grips, which are in perfect condition and fit flawlessly.

The revolver is sold with a certificate from the BNE (Saint-Étienne) classifying it as a Category D historical firearm.
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