Make: Colt
Model: 1877 "Lightning"
Serial Number: 35248
Year of Manufacture: 1882 (Colt Archives Verified)
Caliber: .38 Colt
Action Type: Double / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "COLT D.A. 38." The left side of the frame is marked "PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / ”15”74 / JAN. 19, 1875," followed by the Rampant Colt in a circle emblem. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co / HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard is marked with the serial number "35248."
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The revolver is fitted with brown checkered hard rubber grips featuring Rampant Colt emblems. The grips remain in very good condition, showing only minor handling wear with crisp checkering.
Type of Finish: Case Colored Frame with Blued Barrel, Cylinder, and Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with strong rifling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its original finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout, with some fading of the case coloring but still visible on the frame. The cylinder shows a turn line but remains bright blue. The grip frame and barrel exhibit strong bluing, making them enjoyable to observe. The markings remain clear and well-defined.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up securely with minimal play. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, and the single-action break is crisp. We did not fire this revolver. As with all antique firearms, a thorough cleaning and inspection are recommended before handling.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1877 "Lightning" was Colt’s first double-action revolver, designed for speed and ease of use. The Lightning was chambered in .38 Colt, while its larger counterpart, the Thunderer, was chambered in .41 Colt. These revolvers saw significant use in the late 19th century, with famous owners including Billy the Kid and other lawmen and outlaws of the Old West.
This example, manufactured in 1882 per the Colt Archives, retains 70% of its original finish, with strong case coloring still visible on the frame and vibrant bluing on the barrel, grip frame, and cylinder. The bore remains in excellent condition, rating 9/10, making this a great piece for collectors seeking a functional example of this historic revolver.
The checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt emblems are in very good shape, and the revolver remains mechanically sound, with proper lock-up and smooth double-action function.
For collectors of Colt revolvers, Old West enthusiasts, or those looking for a fine example of a historical Colt double-action revolver, this Colt Model 1877 "Lightning" is a superb find, embodying the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Colt’s early revolver designs.