1877 COLT THUNDERER 38 CAL 2 1/2"
[img][/img]THIS GUN JUST GIVEN TO ME BY A FRIEND HAS ONE PIECE RUBBER GRIPS. ITS IN GOOD CONDITION. WOULD A HAVE TO USE OLD STYLE AMMO IN IT(LOW POWER 38)IS IT RARE ENOUGH THAT I SHOULDN:T SHOOT IT? THANKS BRYAN. I TRIED TO ATTACH PICS BUT DONT THINK IT WORKED.
BEEJAYYY!
BEEJAYYY!
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Why would you want to shoot it? Those old guns like that were made from the type of metal that could just withstand the pressures of the ammunition of their time. Most of that ammo would have been paper cartridge black powder loaded stuff among other types.....! It doesn't have anything to do with being "too rare" to shoot......but more on quite "RISKY TO DO SO!" Why take the chance? You couldn't be sure that this 125+ year old gun didn't have microscopic cracks in the metal just looking for a chance to come apart!
No one can tell you what to do, or not do, for that matter. I'm not trying to do that at all. Just giving you my opinion! Probably safer to play with a "live grenade!"
"Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!0 -
These "LIGHTING" Revolvers have a reputation for having a fragile internal mechanism. If it's in working condition now, perhaps it would be better not to tempt faith and try to fire it!
Colt made these models of double action revolver (Lightning & Thunderer) over a period of 32 years (1877 - 1909).
Even though they were made in impressive quanity (166,849), the design was marginal and relatively few have survived in good working condition, if they have been put to any extensive use.
If yours is still functional and in factory original condition, perhaps it would be better to sell it to a collector so you could buy a modern handgun that wouldn't self-destruct when it was fired.0 -
THANKS GUYS, CONSIDER IT A COLLECTABLE ITEM,I;LL MAKE SURE NO ONE PUTS ANY AMMO NEAR IT.
BEEJAYYY!0 -
Beejayyy,
If your storekeeper Lightning has a one-piece rubber stock, you have a national treasure.
These guns are most accurate with heeled bullets in either .38 short or long Colt. (.38 Smith & Wessons will not enter the chamber, but .38 S&W specials will -- DON'T.) The later hollow based bullets are marginally accurate.
You will notice that a .357 Maximum can be inserted into the chambers from either end, with the cylinder out. Of course the cartridge is longer than the cylinder, fortunately.
One hundred forty grain hollow base wadcutters loaded flush over about 2.2 grains of Bullseye in .38 special brass will give greatly reduced, gentle loads after the gunsmith gives the ok.
Cheers from Grayest California,
Ross0 -
BEEJAY;
The colt thuderer is VERY collectable and in good codition command high prices, like many old colt revolvers. It is EXTREMELY dangerous to fire modern ammo in these old guns. It is chambered for .38 S&W short, or .38 colt, This is not and should not be confused for the .38 spl. Keep in top condition, put it away or display it, enjoy a piece of history, but, I would not shoot this old revolver.0
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