Colt Lightning Medium Frame
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1884
Also known as: Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle, Colt Lightning Medium Frame Magazine Rifle, CLMR
Overview
The Colt Lightning Medium Frame is an American slide-action (pump-action) rifle produced by Colt from 1884 to 1902. Based on a patent by Dr. William H. Elliot, it was Colt's attempt to challenge Winchester's dominance of the repeating-rifle market by offering a fast-cycling pump action. The medium frame was the most popular variant, chambered for the same revolver cartridges as Colt's handguns, including the .44-40 Winchester, .38-40, and .32-20, feeding from a tubular magazine under the barrel.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3289 g (116.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 660 mm (25.98") |
| Action Type | Pump Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 936 J (690 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .44-40 WCF, .44 WCF
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Slide Action, Tubular Magazine, Exposed Hammer, Case Hardened Receiver
Variants
- Colt Lightning Medium Frame Carbine — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- San Francisco Police Department
Production
Estimated total produced: 89,777 · Production years: 1884-1902
Approximately 89,777 medium frame examples produced; the small-frame .22 rimfire model sold in similar numbers (~89,912), while the large-frame Express was far rarer (~6,498).
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William H. Elliot
Discontinued: 1902
Notes
The Lightning was offered in three frame sizes: small (.22 rimfire), medium (pistol-caliber centerfire), and large (Express). The medium frame circumvented an alleged agreement with Winchester that had led Colt to withdraw its earlier lever-action Colt-Burgess rifle, since the Lightning used a different operating mechanism.
Background
The Colt Lightning is closely associated with the American West and frontier era, and its distinctive pump action made it a favorite for trick-shooting and fast follow-up shots. It found export markets in Australia and South America that Winchester had largely overlooked.