Navy Arms (Pedersoli) Lightning in 357/.38 spl

[Abdiver1]

After reading the article in the fall Gunslingers "Lightning fast: Navy Arms' New Pump Rifles" I decided to obtain one (357/.38spl). This turned out to be quite a drawn out process but I finally purchased a deluxe model with a 24" barrel. Fit and finish are very good and the gun and wood are as nice as the article describes. I will be taking the gun to a shoot this coming weekend and will report back on actual use and not just jacking rounds across the room.

 

There are a couple of pictures showing the internals but nothing that would prove useful in dis-assembly or re-assembly. The documentation provided is next to nothing, so I called Navy Arms to inquire if any take-down or cleaning documentation was available or an exploded picture of the gun. I was put through to one of the gunsmiths and the jest of the conversation was to use a good aerosol cleaner and lube to clean the internals and to not attempt to take it down....ever. He said he spent two weeks in Italy at the factory and it still takes him 60-90 minutes to assemble. "It's a complicated firearm."

 

I thought I would pass this along for any future buyers. I plan to run it hard as I shoot at several clubs during the month. I will update over time.

 

Lake City Kid

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Do a search and look for Roger Rapid. He has a Pedersoli manual he has created and it is quite good. If you are nice to him he will email you a copy.

 

If you can't find him send me a PM with your email address and I'll see if I can find a copy to email you.

Edited November 16, 2016 by Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933

[Yusta B.]

Do a search and look for Roger Rapid. He has a Pedersoli manual he has created and it is quite good. If you are nice to him he will email you a copy.

 

If you can't find him send me a PM with your email address and I'll see if I can find a copy to email you.

The "cowboy way" at it's finest. This forum and it's members are a priceless commodity.

[Abdiver1]

Thanks for the information. I did a search in members and found Roger Rapid...Now I just need to figure out how to send emails only knowing the SASS alias.

 

LCK

[John Boy]

I know of only one person that has ever disassembled a Lightning - re-engineered the internals - reassembled the rifle and shoots better than out of the box - Deadeye Dallas, a gunsmith personified!

[Roger Rapid]

Thanks Larsen -

 

Abdiver1 - happy to share my email: roger(at)siminoff.net. Send me an email so I can email you back the instructions on disassembling/reassembling a Pedersoli Lightning.

...RR

[jrswanson1]

Check the screws often. My Lightning ran fine for one match, then started acting up at the second. Turns out the screws started backing out of the receiver.

[Allie Mo, SASS No. 25217]

The OP was stuck on Validating, so he couldn't send a PM. I changed it and hope it works now.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

I haven't been validated for a long time.

[Mack Hacker, #60477]

I know of only one person that has ever disassembled a Lightning - re-engineered the internals - reassembled the rifle and shoots better than out of the box - Deadeye Dallas, a gunsmith personified!

 

I think you might be confusing the Pedersoli Lightning with the Taurus Thunderbolt. They are very different animals

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

I think you might be confusing the Pedersoli Lightning with the Taurus Thunderbolt. They are very different animals

+1. There are "Lightnings" (Colt, AWA, USFA, Taurus, Uberti) and then there is the Pedersoli Lightning. It is different on the inside, already "re-engineered." Most Pedersolis actually work out-of-the-box.

[Yul Lose]

I tear down my Pedersoli Lightnings all of the time and rarely does it take more than 10-15 minutes. If you tear down the lower trigger group assembly (which you rarely or ever have to do) it could take 45 minutes. The Pedersoli Lightning is very well built and taking it apart and reassembling it is a very simple task. Roger Rapids instructions will certainly help you but once you take one apart and reassemble it a couple of times you could do it with your eyes closed. I didn't even go to the factory.

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

Anyone have words of wisdom about the .357 Stoeger/Uberti Lightning?

I bought one and found it runs well on .357 brass but I haven't tried .38spl.

Also told to "Run it like you stole it !) from previous owner.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Anyone have words of wisdom about the .357 Stoeger/Uberti Lightning?

I bought one and found it runs well on .357 brass but I haven't tried .38spl.

Also told to "Run it like you stole it !) from previous owner.

The Uberti has a mechanical cutoff in the magazine release. It is right at 1.520". If your ammo is shorter than that you will almost assurdedly get malfunctions. .367 works the best for a more or less stock Uberti.

[Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474]

Thanks Larsen. I was afraid that was what I going to hear.

Regards

C.L.Kid

[C0ckr0ach, SASS #26100]

The only problems I have had with my Pedersoli Lightning is "cartridge length" (which was easy to correct) and "operator error" (which is difficult to correct). A very reliable firearm.

[Abdiver1]

As promised an update from my first shoots with my Lightning. First, I am using .38spl 158 gr LRN with flat points from Georgia Arms. Over the weekend I put 120+ rounds through the gun shooting 12 stages in the cool central Florida weather at Fort White and Roughshod Raiders in Gainesville. I had only one round that failed to feed which I do believe was operator error induced. I am seeing a learning curve (or curse) in how much ummpth to use when cycling. I did receive a fair amount of attention from my fellow shooters and all were pleased to see the rifle performed well. So, I think I will keep it .

 

I did not experience any loose screws after the first match on Saturday or Sunday as mentioned above. I will probably swab the barrel and shoot a couple more matches and then take it down and see what sort of insights are gained from rub marks and such.

 

It is a fun gun to shoot and on the dump 8 stage it, at least, made me feel I was going faster.

 

Thanks for all the comments fellow cowboy and girls.

 

Lake City Kid aka Abdiver1 when I am in the water.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

I'm surprised it fed the .38s. Maybe that "ummpth" is caused by the ammo. Pedersoli specifically recommends .357s or .38s with an OAL of at least 1.540". I only use .357 brass as it is sometimes hard to get .38s with an OAL of 1.540" with a lot of bullets.

 

http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/supporto-dettaglio.asp/l_en/idsu_7/recomandations-for-the-proper-ammunition-to-load-in-the-pedersoli.html

Edited November 29, 2016 by Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933