Embrace a piece of American history with this Colt Lightning Medium-Frame Carbine, a fascinating artifact from the late 19th century. Manufactured in 1888, this pump-action rifle, also known as the "Thunderer," has a rich history and a solid construction. It boasts a good overall and bore condition, demonstrating its impeccable craftsmanship and enduring quality despite the signs of prior use and handling.
The rifle is chambered in the .38-40 Win caliber, a popular choice for hunting and law enforcement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The pump-action mechanism allows for rapid-fire, a feature that earned the model its 'Lightning' moniker. With a capacity of 12+1 and a 26" octagonal barrel, the firearm offered considerable firepower for its era.
Its aesthetic appeal lies in the blued finish, which is approximately 60% intact. This process of black oxide coating not only reduces light reflection but also provides a certain level of corrosion resistance. The rifle also features a black walnut two-piece straight-grip stock with a checkered handguard and a crescent metal buttplate. The adjustable rear buckhorn V notch and front adjustable dovetail blade further enhance its functionality.
Despite some mechanical reliability issues that made it less popular than its successors and peers at the time, the Colt Lightning Medium-Frame Carbine is now a highly sought-after collector's item. It captures a significant period in Colt's storied history and in American firearm innovation. Whether you're a collector or a history enthusiast, owning this firearm means possessing a tangible piece of history that epitomizes time-tested craftsmanship and vintage weaponry.