(1st Model Colt Lightning Medium Frame Rifle .38/40 Cal from the Klug collection) http://www.rk-americanantiques.com/modules/mastop_publish/

A brief history on the colt lightning long arm,the ole Colt Burgess rifle was succeeded by colts new model lightning slide action repeter locked by a Burgess-type pivoting wedge beneath the breech bolt .

The first medium framed lightnings appeared end of 1884 and sold until 1900. they chambered .32 20, 38 40 and 44 40 .

The rifle magazine held 15 rounds of ammo the carbine version held 12.medium frame Colt Lightnings had a 26 inch round or octagonal barrel .

Two other versions became available in 1887 ,the Colt Lightning small frame in .22 caliber and the large frame express rifle handling bigger cartridges in 40-60-300, 45-85-285 and 50-95-300.

The ten shot express rifle were made with 28 inch round or octag barrels and weighed nearly 10lb.there was a carbine version of the lightning express with a 22 inch barrel weighing 9lb and a baby express weighing in at 8lbs.

The lightning discontinued after 89,777 standard medium frames had been built ,and 6,496 large frame express rifles had been made .som were sold to the San Fransisco police department.

                                                            Colt Lightning Baby Saddle Ring Carbine