Opinions on What Direction to Take This Colt Lightning In
So this was found in my sister and brother in laws barn when they moved in last year.
It's a Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle, small frame 22 caliber. Serial number search has it manufactured in 1904 the last year of production. These were made in several calibers from 22 thru 44 in both small and medium frame models. They were numbered consecutively for a total production of 90,000 from 1884 to 1904. This one is 87,000 so very near the end of production. From what I've gathered these fired predominantly black powder 22 short rounds as that's what was available at the time.
The barrel shows traces of rifling hidden in the rust and webs. However the muzzle end swallows a standard 22 right to the brass so either a counter bore or a sleeve may be necessary. I'll know more once I get the barrel brushed out completely. I'm currently in the disassembly process which has been much easier than imagined. It's from the south where nothing steel rots it only accumulates surface rust so that's been helpful. Currently stuck on the loading gate screw not for rust but deformation. Those two pieces of wood are the front stock because on the 22 version it wasn't reinforced with a steel sleeve like on the larger caliber versions. The last 3 pictures are, barrel as found, after a quick brushing and the chamber. A 22 short is so small I can't get my bore camera in through the loading gate.
What direction would any of you gents go in with this? Do a full restoration or keep the patina and make it shootable? Opinions are welcomed.
Thanks, Bill
Last edited by oldfoneguy; 08-29-2023 at 01:56 PM.
I'd do the whole thing over. Line the bore to .22 short and a complete outside draw file and paper polish. That wood pump can likely be repaired and then shoot...
I was thinking along those lines Jim but some have said to leave it alone just kill the rust because that look can't be duplicated. I'm no fan of rat rods and I don't think I'd like to have a rat rifle.
Have it completely apart now and found the firing pin is broken. I'd have to find one of those first before any work progresses. Otherwise it's a rat wall hanger.
Did a restoration of one years ago, yours doesn't look too bad
Not sure how long it was in the barn but it didn't suffer all that much. Finish is gone but the surface rust has been cleaning right off with 4/0 steel wool and light oil. Inside the action had no rust and every screw came out first try so it's promising. Have a friend with a brother in law that has a machine shop. It may take years but he will eventually make me a replacement firing pin.
Looks like way too much slam-firing and not enough maintenance but definitely worth a clean up.
At 119 years old and something that was possibly a kids gun from day one I'm thinking it did pretty good for itself. Truthfully looking at the wear parts they are all still in decent condition and completely reusable. If the firing pin had been made from steel instead of brass it would probably be as serviceable as the rest of the parts.
I'll keep you all posted on its progress.
I'd figure out the firing pin too. Maybe a piece of drill shank would spot on and take shape. I'd make it out of steel for replacement if it's brass. I'd do it by hand and add the off set firing end...
I'll bet this will come along as easily as any old 1906 or 1890 Winchester .22?
I'm going to give the firing pin a shot. Even made from mild steel I can work by hand it will be stronger than brass.
I have a feeling this rifle is chambered in 22LR. I fit a long rifle in the chamber with ease. If the barrel will take it, long rifle is 100 times easier to find here than shorts. The barrel doesn't specify the round just 22 cal.
I was able to get a couple of shots down the barrel with the borescope after some scrubbing with a bronze brush. There is definitely still rifiling down there. I also have a shot with a hollow point long rifle in the barrel chambering perfectly set back from the throat rifling.
OK, maybe try cycling some through the action...now that it's in pieces... Maybe after cleaning and trouble shooting. Agreed, LR is far better. It doesn't SAY short, the Winchesters that were short said either short or gallery. Show us the firing pin after...
PM
Originally Posted by Fushigi Ojisan
