Chief Rick Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Can't find much about them on the all-knowing 'web... Of course, that may just be my Googl-fu not being up to par. Can't find anything on what kind of prices they are going for if/when they are available, nor reliability as just shooters or match guns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 USFA Ligthnings are very scarce. They built less than 400. I have two. One worked out of the box the other has never worked despite numerous mods and rewelding and recontouring parts. Buy a Pedersoli. Good quality, still made and parts are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Rick Posted August 10, 2021 Author Share Posted August 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said: USFA Ligthnings are very scarce. They built less than 400. I have two. One worked out of the box the other has never worked despite numerous mods and rewelding and recontouring parts. Buy a Pedersoli. Good quality, still made and parts are available. Thanks. I was approached by a semi-local that has one and is looking for help to sell it. I am waiting for him to get back with me on how many rounds he's put through it and if any work was done on it. Not really interested in it myself, but I told him I would try to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 I have not seen one for sale in quite a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pee Wee #15785 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 I have one in .44-40 I bought to go with a pair of USFA 7 1/2" SAA in .44-40. The rifle was used as main match rifle for several years. It ran from day one out of the box. I think the .44-40's ran better than any of the other calibers. I have no idea where to find prices on them today. I do know it would take a lot to buy mine. My Rossi and Uberti rifles are all .44-40, my Marlin would have been if I could have found one in .44 WCF. You might look at several acution sites in the sold area to see what you find. I think my rifle cost around $1000 tax title and carry away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 I have never seen one myself, and as others have mentioned, they seem to be as rare as hen's teeth. Going only by what has been said here on the Wire, since I have no other frame of reference, they seem to be a mixed bag, quality wise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pee Wee #15785 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 https://www.guns.com/news/review/us-firearms-lightning http://www.louiscandell.com/pdf/firearm-catalogs/2007_usfa_catalog.pdf https://classic.gunauction.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=7324938 https://www.gunauction.com/buy/7324938 https://www.gunbroker.com/item/901582901 https://shootingwithhobie.blogspot.com/2006/12/colt-lightning-reproductions.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turquoise Bill, SASS #39118 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 Parts are available here: https://onlineoutpost.net/pages/usfa-lightning-rifle-parts I have a USFA lighting in 44-40, I ran it for a few years, works great. They were expensive at the time, the one I have, the deluxe 26" octagon barrel was $1,295. Here is a USFA price list from 2004. TB USFA_2004_retail_prices.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 Way back When - I had occasion to commune with some USFA folks who related the worst decision USFA ever made was to make the Lightning. An absolute nightmare of warranty problems, some of which couldn't be fixed. Of course, the next really really bad decision was ZIP . . . . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pee Wee #15785 Posted August 11, 2021 Share Posted August 11, 2021 USFA had the same problems as Colt did making and keeping it running. Like Colt they were either good or bad no in between. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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