This "American Rifleman Television" segment explores the history and variations of the Colt Model 1877 revolver, specifically focusing on the "Lightning" model. Originally designed to compete with emerging double-action revolvers, the Model 1877 had three variants: Lightning, Thunderer, and Rainmaker. These distinct names were marketing terms introduced by a major Colt distributor, B. Kittredge & Company, to differentiate between the various chamberings of the pistol. The video highlights the context of its development in the 1870s and its place in Colt's product line.
This video segment from "American Rifleman Television" explores the Colt Model 1878 double-action revolver. It contrasts Colt's earlier problematic Model 1877 with the more robust 1878, which addressed some design flaws and was chambered in a variety of popular calibers including .32-20 WCF, .38 Long Colt, .41 Long Colt, .38-40 WCF, .44-40 WCF, .45 Colt, .455 Webley, and .476 Eley. The video also discusses the U.S. Army's adoption of a variant as the Model 1902, its use during the Spanish-American War, and distinctive features like the enlarged trigger guard. Ultimately, the design's reliance on older loading mechanisms contributed to its obsolescence compared to swing-out cylinder revolvers.
This video explores Colt's initial foray into double-action revolvers with the Model 1877, specifically the Lightning and Thunderer variants. Despite Samuel Colt's initial reservations about double-action designs, market trends and competition from British manufacturers like Webley prompted Colt to develop their own. Designed by William Mason, the Model 1877 was offered in .32 (Rainmaker), .38 (Lightning), and .41 (Thunderer) calibers. While the .32 was produced in limited numbers, the Lightning and Thunderer achieved significant success, with over 166,000 units manufactured between 1877 and 1909. The revolvers were built on identical frames, available in various barrel lengths, with or without ejectors, and in a range of finishes, including some highly ornate engraved examples.
This video features Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA, examining the Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver. He highlights its early development in double-action revolvers by Colt in the 1870s. The presentation details the revolver's features, including its six-shot capacity, single and double-action firing modes, a 4.5-inch barrel, fixed sights, and hard rubber grips. The firearm is chambered in the .38 Long Colt cartridge. Production of the Colt Lightning ran from 1877 to 1909, with over 166,000 units manufactured.
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