Opinions on What Direction to Take This Colt Lightning In

[oldfoneguy]

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

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[browningautorifle]

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...

[oldfoneguy]

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.

[Fushigi Ojisan]

Firing pins are unobtanium.

Did a restoration of one years ago, yours doesn't look too bad

[oldfoneguy]

Firing pins are unobtanium.

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.

[painter777]

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.

Wonder if yours could be repaired? Looking at pictures, the end busted off looks like a flat head screw driver. See the picture in the Hog Island link down the page. If a tip of some type could be inserted / attached / spot weld / brazed /......

I ran across this today about if those firing pins are really brass. Thoughts were they are a mix by some machinists.

Gunsmithing | brass firing pin on colt lightning? | Practical Machinist - Largest Manufacturing Technology Forum on the Web

Also seen a few of the firing pins you need, but all were sold.
https://cfnparts.com/index.php?route...gory&path=1071

Hog Island:
Colt Lightning Small Frame 22 Rimfire Brass Firing Pin Factory Original Part

These 2 might be worth a try, but I'm sure pricey:
https://the-online-outpost-licensing...ng-rifle-parts
https://gun-parts.com/cowboyguns/

[oldfoneguy]

Wonder if yours could be repaired? Looking at pictures, the end busted off looks like a flat head screw driver. See the picture in the Hog Island link down the page. If a tip of some type could be inserted / attached / spot weld / brazed /......

I doubt it can be fixed. What's missing is completely flat and somewhat thin. I've never seen a brass of any composition that would lend itself to any type of repair. Except it can be drilled and tapped. So perhaps I can make the missing piece out of screw stock and thread it into the main body of the firing pin. That just hit me as I wrote this. I'll be in the shop once I get home as I'm out of state again. Thanks for kick starting my brain. It doesn't happen often enough.

$175 for a firing pin? Mister English thinks quite a bit about his work doesn't he?

[Sapper740]

Looks like way too much slam-firing and not enough maintenance but definitely worth a clean up.

[oldfoneguy]

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.

[browningautorifle]

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?