A. Uberti 1884 Lightning

A. Uberti · Rifle · In Production · 2005

Also known as: Uberti Lightning, 1884 Lightning, Colt Lightning reproduction

Overview

The A. Uberti 1884 Lightning is a modern Italian-made reproduction of the Colt Lightning slide-action (pump-action) rifle originally produced by Colt from 1884 to 1904. Chambered in .45 Colt and .357 Magnum, it retains the classic exposed hammer, tubular magazine and case-hardened medium frame of the original, feeding pistol-caliber cartridges through a smooth pump action. It is popular for Cowboy Action Shooting, historical reenactment and collectors of Old West firearms.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3400 g (119.9 oz)
Overall Length1092 mm (42.99")
Barrel Length616 mm (24.25")
Action TypePump Action
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Magazine TypeTube
Muzzle Velocity300 m/s (984 fps)
Effective Range100 m (109 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWood
FinishCase Hardened Frame Blued Barrel

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Production years: 2005-present

Modern reproduction; original Colt Lightning medium-frame production was 89,777 units (1884-1904)

Origin

Country of origin: Italy

Designer: William Mason

Notes

Manufactured by A. Uberti in Italy and imported to the US under the Uberti/Stoeger and Taylor's & Company brands; also rebranded by other importers. The original Colt Lightning was made in three frame sizes; the Uberti reproduction replicates the medium frame.

Background

The original Colt Lightning was Colt's answer to Winchester's dominance of the lever-action market, using a slide (pump) action patented by William Mason; the San Francisco Police Department famously issued 401 of them, and the modern Uberti revival keeps the design alive on Cowboy Action Shooting ranges.