Large Frame Lightning

[H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619]

 

There were three variants of the Colt Lighting rifle.

The small frame was made for .22 Short or .22 Long.

 

The medium frame was made in .32-20, 38-40 and 44-40.

 

The large frame was made in... What?   Wikipedia lists two calibers, and I have seen listings for others.  So does anyone know which calibers it was offered in?  I see smalls and mediums fairly regularly.   I'll get a small someday, and I have a medium in .32-20, but I am curious about the large frame ones.   I don't see them very often.  I knew far fewer were made, and they tend to be very expensive when I do see them, but I have not ruled out getting one someday.  But I'd like to know what calibers they are available in so I can know what I'm getting myself in for when it comes to reloading. 

[LonesomePigeon]

Doing a search on the Colt forum I found:

 

4,600 to 6,496 Large Frame Lightning's made in 5 different calibers. 

 

These are the calibers I found specific reference to:

 

40-60-260
45-85-285
"50cal"
 

I also found reference to the following barrels. These are Large Frame Lightning barrels that were left over inventory in the year 1901.

RIFLES:
32" Octagon Rifle
32" Round Rifle
32" Round Saber Bayonet Rifle
30" Octagon Rifle
30" Round Rifle
30" Half Octagon Rifle
28" Octagon Rifle
28" Round Rifle
28" Half Octagon Rifle
26" Octagon Rifle
20" Round Rifle
CARBINES:
23" Round Sabre Bayonet Carbine
22" Round Carbine
22" Special Carbine
22" Baby Carbine
21" Baby Carbine
 

 

 

 

 

[Sedalia Dave]

Blue book lists the following

 

Quote

LIGHTNING SLIDE ACTION RIFLE (CLMR) - LARGE FRAME .38-56 WCF, .40-60 Marlin (most common), .45-60 WCF (rarest), .45-85 Marlin, or .50-95 Express (rare) cal., large version of previously described Lightnings, approx. 4,600 mfg. 1887-1894.

Quote

LIGHTNING CARBINE LARGE FRAME similar to Large Frame Rifle, 22 in. barrel.

 

 

Quote

LIGHTNING BABY CARBINE LARGE FRAME lightened version of Large Frame Carbine, one pound lighter.