Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this pump-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle - Small Frame.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Lightning Magazine Rifle - Small Frame
Serial: 27889
Date of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .22 Short and Long
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetailed Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock and Forend
Action: Pump-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Lightning Carbine, also known as the Colt Lightning Rifle, was a pioneering slide-action (pump-action) rifle produced by Colt from 1884 to 1904. The Colt Lightning was manufactured in three distinct frame sizes—small, medium, and large—each intended for different cartridge classes ranging from rimfire .22 and .32 calibers to heavier centerfire hunting cartridges such as the .50-95 Express. It was initially chambered in .44-40 Winchester and later offered in a variety of calibers, including .22 Short, .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40, with select later variations produced in larger cartridges such as the .50-95 Express. Marketed primarily as a sporting rifle, the Lightning saw widespread use across the United States and by some law enforcement agencies, including the San Francisco Police Department, in the late 19th century. Despite its innovative design, it never achieved the widespread popularity of contemporary lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873 or Marlin lever-action models, which dominated the period. The small-frame Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was manufactured from 1887 to 1904, with total production reaching 89,912 units. Chambered primarily in .22 Short and .22 Long, this variant featured a 24-inch barrel and became popular for small game hunting and shooting galleries.
Model: Lightning Magazine Rifle - Small Frame
Serial: 27889
Date of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: .22 Short and Long
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 24" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetailed Blade Front with Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Buttstock and Forend
Action: Pump-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Colt Lightning Carbine, also known as the Colt Lightning Rifle, was a pioneering slide-action (pump-action) rifle produced by Colt from 1884 to 1904. The Colt Lightning was manufactured in three distinct frame sizes—small, medium, and large—each intended for different cartridge classes ranging from rimfire .22 and .32 calibers to heavier centerfire hunting cartridges such as the .50-95 Express. It was initially chambered in .44-40 Winchester and later offered in a variety of calibers, including .22 Short, .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40, with select later variations produced in larger cartridges such as the .50-95 Express. Marketed primarily as a sporting rifle, the Lightning saw widespread use across the United States and by some law enforcement agencies, including the San Francisco Police Department, in the late 19th century. Despite its innovative design, it never achieved the widespread popularity of contemporary lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873 or Marlin lever-action models, which dominated the period. The small-frame Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle was manufactured from 1887 to 1904, with total production reaching 89,912 units. Chambered primarily in .22 Short and .22 Long, this variant featured a 24-inch barrel and became popular for small game hunting and shooting galleries.
Despite its relatively modest production run, the Colt Lightning demonstrated a smooth, rapid pump-action mechanism that distinguished it from more traditional lever-action designs during the era. By the end of production, Colt had increasingly shifted its focus toward semi-automatic handgun development. Today, the Colt Lightning is regarded as a desirable collector’s firearm, valued for its mechanical innovation and its place in the evolution of late 19th-century American repeating rifles.
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.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1179047318 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-28 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
508 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-06-28 17:11:59 |
