This video delves into the history and technical aspects of the Colt Model 1877 series of revolvers, commonly known as the Colt Lightning. It highlights their development as Colt's response to European double-action revolvers and discusses their market reception, design flaws, and variations. The presentation emphasizes the intricate and often unreliable mechanism, particularly the trigger springs, which led to frequent breakage and relegated the guns to single-action use.
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" explores the Colt Model 1878 double-action revolver. It contrasts Colt's earlier problematic Model 1877 with the more robust 1878, which addressed some design flaws and was chambered in a variety of popular calibers including .32-20 WCF, .38 Long Colt, .41 Long Colt, .38-40 WCF, .44-40 WCF, .45 Colt, .455 Webley, and .476 Eley. The video also discusses the U.S. Army's adoption of a variant as the Model 1902, its use during the Spanish-American War, and distinctive features like the enlarged trigger guard. Ultimately, the design's reliance on older loading mechanisms contributed to its obsolescence compared to swing-out cylinder revolvers.
You've reached the end! 2 videos loaded.
Gun Laws by State
Read firearms regulations for all 50 states + D.C.
Find Gun Dealers
Search licensed FFL dealers near you.