Colt · Rifle

Colt Lightning 38-40

The Colt Lightning Medium Frame was Colt's first pump-action rifle, designed to compete with the Winchester lever-action in the frontier market. Chambered in .38-40, .44-40, and .32-20, it was the only Colt slide-action rifle of the era and offered smooth pump operation as an alternative to the lever mechanism. It was chambered to match Colt SAA revolvers, offering the same one-cartridge rifle/revolver combination as the Winchester 1873.

📄Manual — not on file🔧Schematic — not on file
Type
Rifle
Action
Pump-Action
Caliber
38-40 Winchester
Capacity
15
Introduced
1884
Origin
USA
Status
Discontinued
Platform
Colt Lightning

Chamberings

Specifications

Weight (unloaded)
8 oz
Overall length
43"
Barrel options
26", 28"
Era
Frontier
Intended use
hunting, collector, historical

Documents

No manual on file yet.

FAQs

How much does the Colt Lightning 38-40 weigh?
The Colt Lightning 38-40 weighs 8 oz (0.5 lb) unloaded.
What caliber is the Colt Lightning 38-40?
The Colt Lightning 38-40 is chambered in 38-40 Winchester; also offered in 44-40 Winchester, 32-20 Winchester.
When was the Colt Lightning 38-40 introduced?
The Colt Lightning 38-40 was introduced in 1884 in USA and is discontinued.
What is the capacity of the Colt Lightning 38-40?
The Colt Lightning 38-40 has a capacity of 15.

More from Colt

AmmunitionFactory loads in 38-40 WinchesterBrowseFull firearm database

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