H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 Hi all. I am wondering, what is the opinion of folks concering the Colt Lighting rifle and/or its modern replicas I am not wondering which of the replicas is good bad or indifferent, that has been discussed to death, and I think most of us know the answers. Rather, I wish to chew some fat on what the general opinion of the rifle IS as it relates to our game. Personally, I have one, think it's really cool, and I am much faster with it than any levergun. It may rapidly become my fave rife, if I decide I want to pick up my speed a lot. I am curious as to what other people think of this gun. I'd be especially intersted to hear if anyone thinks it should not be a part of the game, and why. (I obviously don't, but I wonder if anyone does.) Any takers on the topic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Gregg Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I would love to have a real Colt Lightning short action rifle. Wild Ben Raymond has a couple and holds some speed records with them. MG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gawd Awful Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I have never tried one myself, however there is a girl at my club that just recently switched from a 73 to a lightning and loves it. Slam fires it like it's a 97 and honestly both her speed and accuracy have improved with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash Caliber Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I have a Pedersoli replica in 44-40...shot it for 2 years....only person to do so at my club and after I while I got compliments on it's speed..In the end...as my skills improved ...the lever became faster....that's because the replica's have a safety built in them to avoid a slam fire...now that must be tuned in the gun or by your technique...haven't found the right formula for either or I would still shoot it...dang fun gun...also my advise on the replica's is to ignore the old wisdom of the bullet being .001 larger than bore and go the other way ... .001 smaller than bore..less chance of a lockup with a cocked gun...just my view after 2 years of saddle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backshootin beauford mcgee Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 If you want to see fast shootin, watch Lassiter run his!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 There is a thread here on one of the first few pages about the Ohio Valley Vigilantes match this past weekend. Someone posted a comment that also has a VIDEO to watch of various shooters. One of those shooters is Lassiter with his pumper. Ya need to watch that video. He is fast with that thing. Another plus for the pumper right now is the work being done to them by Deadeye Dallas down in Florida. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Chris Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 There is a thread here on one of the first few pages about the Ohio Valley Vigilantes match this past weekend. Someone posted a comment that also has a VIDEO to watch of various shooters. One of those shooters is Lassiter with his pumper. Ya need to watch that video. He is fast with that thing. Another plus for the pumper right now is the work being done to them by Deadeye Dallas down in Florida. ..........Widder Here you go: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=172039&st=0&p=2218627&fromsearch=1entry2218627 PS: Have shot the rifle on paper @ 200 & 300 yds with a tang sight- accurate. Brazil did drill a very good bore in the barrels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badlands Beady Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I've only been at this for maybe 3 years, long enough to have experimented but too short to have formed hard habits and opinions. Frankly, I may very well make my Pedersoli Lightning my main match rifle, with my Uberti '73 as backup. It's faster and, with far less hand movement, it's much easier to reacquire the target. Had one guy at the last match who swore and declared he'd never seen a Lightning last an entire match, even after I told him that mine just did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 Dirty Chris: THANK YOU. it was late, I was tired and just tooooooo lazy to find that thread and your post. All those vids are top notch and I really enjoyed watching them. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Hand Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I tried a lightening clone, figured since I was shooting a '97 they would make my "muscle memory" easier. Worked for a while, but after practicing with my "lightening" I started to short stroke my '97. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outlaw Gambler Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I have four pump rifles, one AWA (owned for about 2 yrs) and three original Colt Lightnings (owned since 2002). All four have been gone thru by Eldon Penner. All of the Colts are 32-20 and two of the Colts have 26" oct barrels. I had the third one with the long barrel reworked so it ended up with a 20" round carbine barrel on it. My wife, Gambler's Gal, has shot it for years in every match. Won WI state championship last year in her division with it. The only hic up it has was the shell stop needed replaced. The main thing to remember when shooting them is the action slide only moves about 2 inches and you have to work it hard. If you "short stroke" it, which will happen if you are lazy when working the action, you will cause it to misfeed. I would shoot mine more often but need to get the barrel cut down as it is too barrel heavy for my liking. Slam fire works on all of them and is really fast. The AWA is in 38 special and has a short barrel, I shoot it more than the Colt. It was also gone thru by EP and slam fires. I have not had any problem with it to date. The pump rifle is not that difficult to get used to, its like any other gun, practice, practice, practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Masterson, SASS #51139 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 I have used my Cimarron/Pedersoli Lightning .45 since the month they first came out. It has run great for me, with the only problem getting used to the disconnect on the trigger. It does not slam fire, and if there was a fix, I would make it slam fire in an instant. Growing up shooting a pump .22 Winchester helps out I think, as the stroke seems to be about the same. I shoot black powder in mine more than smokeless, and it can run a 2 day match with no troubles than a quick squirt of moose milk at the end of the 1st day. The heavier barrel helps me keep things on target. I have the deluxe with the long octagon barrel. I had a short carbine, and it just wandered all over the targets as I ran it. Outlaw Gambler is right about working them hard. Move the slide like you mean to move the slide. MG talks about Wild Ben Raymonds lightnings. I got to shoot one of his, and it was very silky smooth. Very nice. Heres an old video of me shooting my Lightning with black. Ignore the multiple attempts at the shotgun targets. It pays to make better shotgun loads... DM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJT Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 If you want fact more than opinion, the feller in the video, Lassiter or the other gentleman mentioned, Eldon are the ones to talk to. They know the machine in it's various parentages, what it can do and what it takes to make it happen. Cheers, BJT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bart Solo Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 There are two guys in our club who use them. Funny, they never seem to have any problems. They look pretty fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grouchy Greg, SASS#71981 Posted July 14, 2011 Share Posted July 14, 2011 http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=172039&st=0&p=2218627&fromsearch=1entry2218627 PS: Have shot the rifle on paper @ 200 & 300 yds with a tang sight- accurate. Brazil did drill a very good bore in the barrels ==================================================== My Taurus Thunderbolt is the most accurate cowboy rifle I have, even with the crappy sights that it came with. That's the main reason I've hung on to it despite its problems and through two send-backs to Taurus. Deadeye Dallas has it now, working his magic on it, and I hope to get it back from him pretty soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Filthy Lucre, 55674L Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 I have 2 originals 44-40 & 38-40. BP only. I really enjoy shooting them. Slam fire from the hip. Once I got the right OAL everything was fine and fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadeye Dallas, SASS #60249 Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 It is really nice to see so many positive comments about the lightning. Guess the guys that always had negative remarks are afraid l will flood the wire with videos. They are fun to shoot, I own an AWA and usually shoot half the match with it and other half with my 73. I let the stage determine which I use. Dallas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted July 16, 2011 Author Share Posted July 16, 2011 This has been a nice thread. Of that, I am glad. I guess I should mention that mine is an AWA, .45 Colt, 20" round barrel. I bought it used, and as far as I know, it is as it came from the factory. I have never had even a hint of trouble with it, nor has anyone who has used as a loaner gun. Yes, it slam fires. What I found really interesting about those videos is that both of the shooters were using 87 Winchesters. (Well, I assume they were replicas) How common is that? Some folks have mentioned that using the Lightning made them short stroke their 97s. Is this a real problem? If so, is this why Lightning users would gravitate to the 87, or a double? Inquring minds wish to know! For the record, I just aquired an original 87 on Gunbroker. We'll see what happens when it arrives... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Masterson, SASS #51139 Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 HK, I normally shoot a hammered double, and in that video was trying out the 87 and just having some fun. It is my wifes, and the stock is too long, but too pretty to cut, so it gets pretty much hip shot duty for the most part. When I do run my 97, I havent noticed any short stroking of it, but I dont run it that often, maybe once a year. For the most part, its my hammered SxS. DM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fingers McGee Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 I've got one of the original AWA limited editions in 44-40 with 20" round barrel. Had some problems with it at first; but once I got the OAL and weak hammer spring straightened out it worked just fine. It only gets BP or sub rounds run through it. Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snakebite Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 I think the Colt Lightning and it's replicas are neat guns.. I also think that they are as much a part of "COWBOY" as the 97 shotgun is. Snakebite Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Snakebite ... and the Colt Lightnings were 'of the era' before the '97. The Colt Lightning Carbine or Colt Lightning Rifle was a slide-action or pump-action rifle manufactured by Colt from 1884 to 1904 and was originally chambered in .44-40 caliber. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Lightning_Carbine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted July 16, 2011 Author Share Posted July 16, 2011 I think the Colt Lightning and it's replicas are neat guns.. I also think that they are as much a part of "COWBOY" as the 97 shotgun is. Snakebite Now, there is a statement that could be taken both ways. Many people feel that that the 97 should not be a part of our game, is it is "not cowboy." Others feel that it is of the period, albeit the end of the period, but still a part of it and therefore has a legitmate part of the game. Now, depending on your opinion of the 97, that would mean that you either think the Lightning is something that really doesn't belong but has been let in on a technicality, or you think that it's a 100% legitimate gun. Can you please clarify? Me, I think both guns belong with no qualification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dalton Masterson, SASS #51139 Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 HK, Well stated. I was reading that 2 ways as well, but wasnt sure how to respond. DM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 Many people feel that that the 97 should not be a part of our game, is it is "not cowboy." Others feel that it is of the period, albeit the end of the period, but still a part of it and therefore has a legitmate part of the game HK ... and some folks still believe the moon is made of blue cheese! From the Handbook: Rifles: from approximately 1860 until 1899Any SASS–legal rifle of 1880 or later design or a replica thereof (i.e. Burgess, Lightning Rifle, 1892, 1894 Winchester or Marlin). and side by side double barreled, pre-1899 pump, or lever action shotguns. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, characterized, Old West style. Colt Lightning ... Produced 1884-1904 Winchester 1897 ... Produced 1897–1957 So that slots both firearms within the definition of SASS legal firearms. Snakebite doesn't need to clarify nothing Now for the Wild Bunch, it ain't SASS - Period. Just a means to sell more forearms Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Woo Hoo! Hubby shot his today and did not have a single gun malfunction. Regards, Allie "who does not know how much time he spent 'fine tuning' it" Mo PS It was his first match in about four years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackwater 53393 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Woo Hoo! Hubby shot his today and did not have a single gun malfunction. Regards, Allie "who does not know how much time he spent 'fine tuning' it" Mo PS It was his first match in about four years. Dang Allie!! That's really good to hear! Hope he can continue to get out and shoot. I hope Schoolmarm gets goin' again soon too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Houston # 35508 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 I don't ever think about them at all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Wonderful guns...I think everyone other then me should shot them. But it looks like you'll eventually go blind if you keep shooting them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Wonderful guns...I think everyone other then me should shot them. But it looks like you'll eventually go blind if you keep shooting them. I thought the same thing. And now we got some fellers wanting to 'slam fire' em. YIKES! ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom, SASS #54973 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 I thought the same thing. And now we got some fellers wanting to 'slam fire' em. YIKES! ..........Widder Now that's just wrong in sooooo many ways... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 Dang Allie!! That's really good to hear! Hope he can continue to get out and shoot. I hope Schoolmarm gets goin' again soon too! Thanks Sweetie! Good luck with Schoolmarm! Allie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Sam, SASS #10915 Posted July 17, 2011 Share Posted July 17, 2011 I have two of them, a Colt 32-20 and a Taurus 45 Colt. They both work fine after I tinkered with them some. The problem that I have with them is that I can either shoot fast; or I can hit the targets - Not both. A lot of practice would probably help. But, since I can hit reasonably well fast (for me) shooting a '73, I usually shoot that in matches. The problem I see with the Lightning is that pumping the slide with my left hand (I'm right handed) disturbs the sight picture. The '73 is a more stable platform. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiowa Kid, SASS #69870L Posted July 18, 2011 Share Posted July 18, 2011 I have two of them, a Colt 32-20 and a Taurus 45 Colt. They both work fine after I tinkered with them some. The problem that I have with them is that I can either shoot fast; or I can hit the targets - Not both. A lot of practice would probably help. But, since I can hit reasonably well fast (for me) shooting a '73, I usually shoot that in matches. The problem I see with the Lightning is that pumping the slide with my left hand (I'm right handed) disturbs the sight picture. The '73 is a more stable platform. They are fun can be competive in the right hands, dallas has one of mine in 38-40 the 45 does has too much blow back and is worst than a marlin or 73 as far as blow back in your eyes, problem solved re-barreled to 38-40. KK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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