Very Fine And Rare Colt Large Frame Lightning Rifle Serial Number 6248 For 1893

26 inch octagonal barrel. 38-56 255 express caliber.

Only 299 of these massive express Lightning rilles were made in 1893. Made to compete with Winchester’s big bore 1886 and Marlin’s 1881, Colt Lightnings were superbly made and came in heavy big game calibers.

The structural flaw was that the shooter could easily slice open his right hand when the bolt was in the rearward motion for reloading. Contrast Colt Lightning 1893 of 299 with 9444 for Winchester’s 1886. Such limited production makes a fine condition big frame Lightning a real rarity and collector’s prize.

The barrel of #6248 retains 90%+ original Colt Factory bluing. The magazine tube retains 95% thinning original blue. The frame retains 95%+ ultra bright glossy Colt Factory blue. The Colt prancing horse is prominent. The hammer retains 65% color hardening. Frame and fore-end screws retain most brilliant niter blue.

The finely checkered walnut fore-end has nearly perfect ultra sharp checkering with little or no wear. The figured walnut buttstock retains 85% original varnish with a few minor storage marks mostly on the right side near the comb.

The blue has flaked off the buttplate leaving a pleasing dove gray patina. The action is perfect and the bore is brilliant and appears perfect.

This Lightning is a true gem and will take place of pride in any Colt collection or 19th century American arms collection.