Colt Lightning DOM

Gunswapper

I have an incomplete Colt Lightning Slide action rifle in .22 caliber, Serial # 523xx. When was it made?

charliemeyer007

cut and pasted The small-frame Lightning (also referred to as "Second Model Colt Lightning"[4]) was the first rimfire rifle made by Colt and was manufactured between 1887 and 1904 as a plinking and gallery gun.[4][5] Colt records indicate 89,912 were made, in .22 Short and .22 Long.[4] Barrel length was 24 in (61 cm) and the rifles had a blued finish, case-hardened hammer, and a walnut stock.

https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup site down while its being up dated

Booklet by R.L. Wilson Colt's Dates of Manufacture says 1901 52300, 1902 63300

Gunswapper

Does that mean the receiver will have to ship to a FFL?

charliemeyer007

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-firearms-are-considered-be-curio-and-relic-firearms

Your own words 'incomplete,' their words ATF has recognized only complete, assembled firearms as curios or relics.

Hopefully a real pro will chime in and keep you out of the gray bar hotel.

Gunswapper

I wanted to know if this receiver would have to go to a FFL or C&R or if it is antique and can go directly to an individual.

Gunswapper

I checked the square to notify me when there was a reply. I have got zero notifications. WHY?

charliemeyer007

No clue about notifications. Do you have your current e-mail address correctly entered on this site. Did you check the spam filter on your e-mail?

I think it's a FFL item. Made after 1896?, not complete.

spasmcreek

got one on good shape exept the slide cover is missing ...common ailment

Gunswapper

I did a google search for date of manufacture and came up with this (According to this mine was made in 1901; the year my Dad was born!).

Lightning Magazine Rifle Small Frame (.22rf Caliber)
Year Serial Number
1887 1
1888 1000
1889 8000
1890 11750
1891 14300
1892 14700
1893 15400
1894 16600
1895 19800
1896 23000
1897 26000
1898 29600
1899 35300
1900 42800
1901 52300
1902 63300
1903 73700
1904 82000-89912

Spider7115

charliemeyer007 wrote:

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/what-firearms-are-considered-be-curio-and-relic-firearms

Your own words 'incomplete,' their words ATF has recognized only complete, assembled firearms as curios or relics.

Hopefully a real pro will chime in and keep you out of the gray bar hotel.

Charlie is correct. It isn't C&R eligible if it isn't complete.