First Edition Safety & Instruction Manual For Your Lightning Magazine Rifle ® U.S. Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
® Congratulations! You are now the proud owner of the first true reproduction of the original Colt Lightning Rifle. Produced from 1884 to 1904, the Medium Frame Lightning Magazine Rifle was a dramatic innovation in breach loading firearms. A remarkably short action stroke, compact size, made the Lightning Magazine Rifle a success on the frontier. In the 21st century USFA integrates advances in metallurgy, the precision of CNC machining and the craftsmanship of hand assembly to produce the Lightning today.
Contents 4-6 Lightning Rifle Cutaway/Major Operating Parts Directions for Use 6-7 Safety Message Material for Shooting 8-9 Handling Ammunition In Case of Misfire Safe Loading Procedure 10-11 Shooting Your Rifle When Handling Your Firearm 12-13 Before Firing Your Firearm When Shooting Your Firearm Safe Unloading Procedure 14-15 Cleaning and Storage Disassembly and Reassembly 16-17 Lightning Magazine Rifle Exploded View 18-19 Original Lightning Rifle Patent Drawing 20-22 Safety Instructions Special Warnings a
U. S . Fir New Hartfo e Arm ligh rd, Co s Mfg . tnin n g M nectic Co. ut aga zine Rifl e Major Operating Parts A. Operating Handle & Slide B. Locking Brace C. Locking Surface on Tang D. Firing Pin Safety E. Trigger F. Magazine Stop & Safety Sear G. Bolt H. Hammer I. Carrier K.
Directions for Use: When the hammer is at full or half-cock, the action is released by lowering the hammer. Bring the piece to the shoulder in the usual way: grasp the handle or slide A, with the left hand and draw it to the rear.
slide can only be released by bringing the hammer to the down position. In the full and half-cock positions of the hammer, the slide, handle, and breech-bolt are positively locked.
functioning the slide to fire the gun} was thought of as a positive feature and was advertised by Colt 100 years ago. It is is not recommended, or warranted for safety reasons. This is a capability of your Lightning Rifle as designed by the Colt Company in 1884. However, any tampering with the spring weights or sear surfaces may lead to a dangerous condition and may render the rifle inoperable. No warranty is implied or expressed when operated in this manner.
firearm OUT OF PROOF. Handling Ammunition Your firearm was designed for a specific type of ammunition (cartridge), referred to as caliber. The caliber of your firearm Explanation Rollmark .44 Cal .38 Cal .32 Cal of barrel markings Ammunition to be used .44 WCF .38 WCF .32 WCF is clearly marked on the barrel. DO NOT use any other ammunition than that specified on the barrel of your firearm. ALWAYS use new, commercially manufactured ammunition. NEVER mix ammunition of different calibers.
firing pin. If the firing pin did not strike the primer the gun has malfunctioned and may need service. (See page 28 for instructions on returning a firearm to USFA for service. Safe Loading Procedure If you are sure that your have the specific type of ammunition for your firearm, you may begin the safe loading procedure. • Point the barrel downward. ALWAYS keep your fingers away from the trigger guard and trigger when loading a firearm.
• With the action open and the chamber clear, press the loading gate inward with the first cartridge until all but the rim is in the loading port. • Positive magazine spring tension is common and necessary in this class of rifle of the period. for proper feeding into the frame and is also meant to hold the cartridge securely even during firing. If left loose it could accidentally detonate the neighboring cartridges in the magazine tube.
Shooting Your Rifle Before shooting your Lightning Rifle, be sure the target area is clear of all obstacles and that no one is in your line of fire. ALWAYS wear safety glasses. An exploding cartridge will spray particles that may cause damage to your eyes or blindness. ALWAYS wear specially designed ear protection. The noise from your firearm may lead to temporary or even permanent hearing loss. ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction until you are ready to shoot.
before storing it. • Fully understand the operation of your firearm before loading and firing it. Before Firing Your Firearm: • Always have your firearm pointed in a safe direction. If you must carry a loaded firearm, always carry it with the barrel pointing towards the ground. DO NOT carry a firearm with the hammer cocked. When Shooting a Firearm: • When shooting any firearm, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from fragments and powder. Wear ear protection against the loud noise of firing.
• If your firearm fails to fire, DO NOT try to fire it and DO NOT try to force the hammer down. Keep your firearm pointed at the target and wait 30 seconds. If the firearm does not fire within 30 seconds, point the barrel in a safe direction and carefully unload the firearm with your fingers outside the trigger guard. • When transporting your firearm, be sure that it is unloaded. Transport your unloaded firearm and ammunition in separate, secure, locked containers.
Safe Unloading Procedure IMPORTANT: Before unloading be sure that the muzzle of your rifle is pointed in a safe direction. Slide the forearm grip slowly to eject the first cartridge. Close the action and very carefully and slowly lower the hammer onto the bolt while gently pulling the trigger. Repeat these steps until the rifle is completely unloaded. When no more cartridges eject from the rifle check the chamber, feed ramp and magazine for cartridges.
When not in use, ALWAYS store firearms and ammunition separately in a locked, secure environment securely out of the reach of children. As an added safety measure, install a gunlock in the trigger guard of your firearm before storing it. DO NOT store your firearm in an airtight container. DO NOT seal the barrel to block out dust. This will cause moisture to accumulate in the barrel and chambers that will lead to corrosion of the metal surfaces. ALWAYS store ammunition in a separate, locked container.
26 27 28 25 29 32 30 37 31 36 4 2 9 8 34 16 4 3 7 17 1 9 23 5 22 10 6 13 24 12 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Receiver (FFL only) Left ejector Right ejector Ejector screw (2) Loading trap Loading trap spring Loading trap spring screw Loading trap stop screw Side plate screw (2) Hammer Hammer roller Hammer roller pin Hammer safety pin Hammer pin Tang Tang screw Trigger 35 18 19 21 35 20 55 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Trigger spring Trigger spring screw Main spring Main spring scr
41 39 45 40 42 38 42 43 46 50 49 50 33 49 44 48 49 50 47 49 50 2 51 53 55 14 52 53 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Slide Carrier Carrier screw Locking brace Locking brace pin Barrel (round) Barrel (half round) Barrel (octagon) 17 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 Standard magazine tube Standard magazine tube plug Magazine spring Follower Magazine lug Rifle tube screw Forend stock wood R Forend stock wood L Grip escheution (4) Grip screw (4) Butt stock Butt plate, Crescent or Carbine Butt
Be A Safe Shooter! Keep Out of Reach of Children! Remember, children can and will find your firearms. Store them unloaded, with a gunlock in the trigger guard, in a locked gun safe. Federal Firearms Regulations define safe storage as a safe, gun safe, gun case, lock box, or other device designed to be used to store a firearm and that can be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or other similar means.
Notice of Liability. (Please Note) U. S.Fire Arms Mfg. Co. shall not be responsible, either in whole or part, for injury, death, or damage to property resulting from intentional or accidental discharge of this firearm, or from its function when used for purposes or subjected to treatment for which it was not designed. U.S.Fire Arms Mfg. Co.
Notice of Factory Proof. The small inspectors marks and serial numbers found on almost any gun of today, including these Lightning Rifles, are used to provide information about your gun or gun part. It tells U. S. Fire Arms what exacting standard of manufacture that part was subjected. Please do not remove or alter any serial number or Mark of Proof. Please do not remove, alter, or re-manufacture any part, spring, or metal bearing surface in any way.
Extra Care and Strict Adherence to these instructions by the gun user, and any person using the gun, is mandatory for minimizing the risk of accidents, death, or property damage to you or your family. When you pull the trigger you must expect the gun to fire. Be A Safe Shooter! Never load or point any firearm until you are ready to fire and accept the consequences of your actions in firing the gun.
ALWAYS be sure barrel and action are clear of obstructions. Clean a fouled rifle immediately so that it will function correctly and safely. NEVER squeeze the trigger or put your finger in the trigger guard until you are aiming at a target and ready to shoot. This will prevent you firing the rifle when it is pointing in an unsafe direction. FAILURE to fire. Always hold rifle, keeping it pointed towards the target and wait 30 seconds when rifle fails to fire.
ALWAYS be absolutely sure of your target and the area behind it before you squeeze the trigger. A bullet could travel through or past your target up to a mile ... if in doubt, don't shoot! NEVER shoot at a hard surface, such as rock, tree, or, liquid surface, such as water. A bullet may ricochet and travel in any direction to strike you, or an object you cannot see, causing injury, death, or damage to property.
NEVER use your rifle if it fails to function properly. never force a jammed action as a cartridge may explode, causing serious injury, possible death, or severe damage to your rifle. NEVER leave rifle cocked ready to fire as this condition is extremely dangerous, and rifle could easily be accidentally dis-charged, causing injury, death, or damage to property.
NEVER indulge in "horseplay" while holding your rifle as it may be accidentally discharged. ALWAYS instruct children to respect firearms. If you teach them to shoot, teach them to use the rifle properly, and always supervise your children closely. ALWAYS stress safety so that your children will not fire the rifle when it is unsafe to do so. DO NOT make or attempt to make this alteration.
I. MAKE SURE THE RIFLE IS NOT LOADED. II. Write a letter explaining the problem and your requirements in as much detail as possible. Include the model name and serial number of your firearm together with your return address, then enclose the letter with the rifle in a well padded package. III. Do not send presentation boxes, accessories, or explosive components. Insure the package and contents against loss or theft.
Warranty Statement Lifetime warranty. What is included: U.S.Fire Arms stands behind its products. U.S.Fire Arms products are warranted, subject to the conditions below, for as long as you, the original purchaser, own the firearm. This is a mechanical device and has a ‘Life’. The life or duration depending on severity of use, climate, care, ammunition, Etc. What is excluded from our Lifetime Warranty: FIREARMS THAT ARE OUT OF PROOF.
Special Services & Guns to Order Historical Letter When your Firearm was made at The Old Armory, its unique characteristics were recorded in U.S.Fire Arms - Old Armory Ledger. It records specifics such as barrel length, caliber and style of finish and stocks. As well, it contains the unique serial number of your historic firearm. The Historic Letter depicts the Armory as it stands today. The Historic Letter is available for your firearm.
The Old Armory Custom Shop The Old Armory Custom Shop signals a New Beginning for our Old Armory. The making of a Best Quality Gun begins with the selection of fine quality Stocks & Engraving. Standard, or Special Patterns or Styles are available and you would be encouraged to consult one of our Armory Workmen. Plating of Silver, Gold, and Nickel as well as selected hardwood stocks are just some of the many personal choices one has to make.* *Prices are Subject to Market Rates. Gold, Silver, etc.
The Prairie Mail Box Order your custom gun today. ® United states Fire Arms Mfg. Co. 445-453 ledyard St • Hartford, CT 06114 • USA www.usfirearms.com 1-877-227-6901 Rev. 05-06 © Copyright United States Fire Arms Mfg. Co. 2006 Printed In U.S.A.
