Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Scarce double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt 1887 Lightning.
According to the Factory Colt Letter, this example was shipped on July 8th, 1884, in a shipment of 6 guns, to J.P. Moores Sons New York, New York.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Double-Action Revolver Model of 1877 - 1877 Lightning
Serial: 51431
Date of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Textured Synthetic Colt Two-Piece Grips
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1877 “Lightning” is one of the most historically significant revolvers ever produced by Colt, representing the company’s first successful double-action revolver. Introduced in 1877 and designed by William Mason, the Lightning marked a major technological shift away from Colt’s single-action dominance embodied by the Single Action Army. Chambered most commonly in .38 Long Colt, the Lightning offered faster follow-up shots and modern handling for the era, making it attractive to civilians, lawmen, and professionals who valued speed over deliberate cocking. Its compact frame, sleek lines, and rapid double-action capability made it a popular personal-defense revolver during the late frontier period, and it quickly earned a place in the hands of notable historical figures, including gamblers, lawmen, and outlaws. Despite its popularity, the Colt 1877 also gained a reputation for having a delicate internal mechanism, particularly within its double-action system, which required skilled maintenance and careful use. This mechanical complexity contributed to its mystique and collectibility today, as many examples show hard use or later repairs. Surviving Lightning revolvers in high original condition are highly sought after by collectors, especially those retaining correct finishes, markings, and grips. As a transitional firearm bridging the gap between frontier-era single actions and modern double-action revolvers, the Colt 1877 Lightning stands as a pivotal piece of Colt history—one that reflects both innovation and the growing pains of early double-action revolver design.
Contents:
Model: Double-Action Revolver Model of 1877 - 1877 Lightning
Serial: 51431
Date of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: .38 Long Colt
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4.5"
Optics/Sights: Frame Notched Rear w/ Fixed Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Textured Synthetic Colt Two-Piece Grips
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt 1877 “Lightning” is one of the most historically significant revolvers ever produced by Colt, representing the company’s first successful double-action revolver. Introduced in 1877 and designed by William Mason, the Lightning marked a major technological shift away from Colt’s single-action dominance embodied by the Single Action Army. Chambered most commonly in .38 Long Colt, the Lightning offered faster follow-up shots and modern handling for the era, making it attractive to civilians, lawmen, and professionals who valued speed over deliberate cocking. Its compact frame, sleek lines, and rapid double-action capability made it a popular personal-defense revolver during the late frontier period, and it quickly earned a place in the hands of notable historical figures, including gamblers, lawmen, and outlaws. Despite its popularity, the Colt 1877 also gained a reputation for having a delicate internal mechanism, particularly within its double-action system, which required skilled maintenance and careful use. This mechanical complexity contributed to its mystique and collectibility today, as many examples show hard use or later repairs. Surviving Lightning revolvers in high original condition are highly sought after by collectors, especially those retaining correct finishes, markings, and grips. As a transitional firearm bridging the gap between frontier-era single actions and modern double-action revolvers, the Colt 1877 Lightning stands as a pivotal piece of Colt history—one that reflects both innovation and the growing pains of early double-action revolver design.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Colt Factory Letter.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
