I Have This Old Gun: Colt Lightning Revolver

Published on April 9, 2025
Duration: 5:06

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.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1877 series, including the Lightning, was Colt's response to European double-action revolvers. Despite its complex and fragile mechanism, particularly prone to trigger spring breakage, the Lightning model was popular due to its varied barrel lengths and 'bird's head' grip.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Colt Revolvers
  2. 00:18Colt's Early Revolver Prowess
  3. 00:30Competition from Double-Action Revolvers
  4. 00:49Colt's Answer: The Model 1877
  5. 01:13The Colt Lightning
  6. 01:19Visual Comparison to Single Action Army
  7. 01:25Reliability Issues: Trigger Springs
  8. 01:33Gunsmithing Challenges
  9. 01:48Colt's Independent Design Choice
  10. 02:03Sales Performance
  11. 02:22Model 1877 Variants: Lightning, Thunderer, Rainmaker
  12. 02:38Naming Origin: B. Kitridge & Company
  13. 02:58Marketing and Chambering Distinction
  14. 03:03Lightning Model Popularity
  15. 03:08Barrel Length Options
  16. 03:17Bird's Head Grip vs. Plow Handle
  17. 03:26Grip Panel Materials
  18. 03:35Finishes: Blued and Nickel-Plated
  19. 03:45Production Timeline
  20. 03:53Popularity in Great Britain
  21. 04:05Known For: Complicated Mechanism
  22. 04:11Finicky and Fragile Design
  23. 04:18Double-Action/Single-Action Mechanism
  24. 04:27Tensioned Parts and Springs
  25. 04:32Delicate Components
  26. 04:36Spring Breakage Issues
  27. 04:41Relegation to Single-Action
  28. 04:51Enduring Popularity Despite Flaws
  29. 04:54Total Production Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Colt Model 1877 series, and why was it developed?

The Colt Model 1877 series, which included the Lightning, Thunderer, and Rainmaker revolvers, was Colt's answer to the growing popularity of European double-action revolvers in the late 1870s. Colt aimed to offer a competitive option for self-defense arms.

What were the main variants of the Colt Model 1877, and how were they distinguished?

The Colt Model 1877 came in three main variants: the Lightning, the Thunderer, and the Rainmaker. These names were marketing designations by distributor B. Kitridge & Company to differentiate the various chamberings offered within the Model 1877 line.

What were the primary mechanical issues with the Colt Lightning revolver?

The Colt Lightning revolver is best known for its complex and fragile mechanism. The trigger springs were particularly prone to breaking, which would disable the double-action function, forcing the user to operate the firearm in single-action mode.

What made the Colt Lightning model popular despite its mechanical flaws?

The Colt Lightning model gained popularity due to its availability in a wide range of barrel lengths, from 1.5 to 9 inches, and its distinctive, compact 'bird's head' grip. These features made it appealing for concealed carry and personal defense.

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