Guns International #: 102786776
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Guns International #: 102786776
Category - Colt Rifles - Lightning
- Colt Rifles - Antique
Rare Colt Large Frame Express Lightning Slide Action Pump Rifle .45-85-285 British Proofed Big Game Safari Gun 1888
Description: Rare British Proofed Colt Large Frame “Express” Lightning Slide-Action Pump Rifle, .45-85-285 Cal, mfg. 1888. Just 6,496 of these massive rifles were made between 1887-1894 exclusively to compete with Winchester's big-bore Model 1876 and 1886 lever actions. This example remains in wonderful original condition and features British proofs suggesting it spent some time abroad within the British empire perhaps hunting big cats in India. The .45-85-285 cartridge was the largest offered of the regular calibers only surpassed by the elusive .50-95 Express. Standard length 28" round barrel fitted with large original German silver blade front sight and adjustable buckhorn rear. Overall the gun retains approximately 75%+ original bluing which is quite bright in areas with the balance thinned to plum/gray. Surfaces are smooth and edges sgarp throughout. Small superfine pinprick pitting scattered along the bottom of the frame and triggerguard with some extremely fine spotting on the frame sides and upper tang. Mottled case color on hammer. The stock retains a rich unmolested original finish with sharp fine checkering on the forearm. Aside from a few stable old ¾" compression cracks at the toe of the butt the wood is excellent overall with no further damage or repair. Original crescent buttplate and original screws. Crystal clear Colt address, rampant horse logo, factory caliber marking, and serial number “1916” struck on lower tang. Period British proofs stamped on left side of breech with import or registration number “M6579” struck on right side. The action is perfectly crisp, smooth, and tight, and functions flawlessly. Excellent bore with near mirror bright, clean, sharp rifling throughout and only very light blackpowder frosting. If you've never held one of these large frame Lightnings before they certainly are imposing! A very rare rifle in a great caliber and in great original condition. Please expect 2 weeks additional shipment time for secure fully insured Registered Mail. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Price: $6,450.00 Buy Now Antique: Yes Rifle Caliber: .45-85 Manufacturer: Colt Model: Large Frame Express Lightning Serial Number: 1916 Barrel Length: 28 Finish: Blue Manufacture Date: 1888 Extras: British Proofed Contact Seller |
Guns International #: 102786776
Guns International #: 102786776