[SteelyNirvana]

I am a subscriber to this guys video's on YouTube. He posted this today and is looking for some info on it, and it's estimated value. I'm sending him a link to this thread, so you can comment either here or on his video.

Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWpsXLjWV5Y

[average_shooter]

Actually, the gun looks like it is double-action. It's obviously missing a screw, and the finish is likely nickel (not chrome as he states in the video). I don't know if it would really need new springs, or just a new screw, to get it back in functioning shape, but it looks like it's do-able.

That would be an interesting piece, in my mind.

[Colt Smith]

Yup, double action. Colt Lightning or Thunderer. I think he says it's a .41 caliber. I think that makes it a Thunderer, no?

[Iggy]

Yup, it's a Colt's Double Action .41 caliber called the Thunderer.

I can't remember if it is a Model 77 or 78. I think it is a 77.

The innards are delicate and often are found in the same condition as the one in the video.

I have one that was given to me by the last train robber in Wyoming. He was a family friend and this was his cash register gun, after he got out of prison, at his tourist trap motel in Laramie Wyoming.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/Iggy25/Thunderer.jpg?t=1259154736
It has the orginal hard rubber grips.

[EnsignJimmy]

Yup, it's a Colt's Double Action .41 caliber called the Thunderer.

I can't remember if it is a Model 77 or 78. I think it is a 77.
The Lightning and Thunderer are both Colt's Double Action Model of 1877. The 1878 was their large-frame handgun and was carried in all the major big-bore centerfire calibers of the day. About the only thing the two models share in common is that they're both double action. 1878s have much less-fragile innards and are much easier to get back into working condition than the 1877s.

[OPOEFC]

yep, it's a Colt Model 1877 .41 DA Thunderer. Victum of delicate innards easily damaged by careless handling, such as fanning the hammer, etc. They can be repaired by those few people who know how ( it's tricky, but I have done it many times), some gunsmith's know the trick, but most don't and few want to learn, as these don't come in to your shop for repairs much these days! The gun is worth $1200 - $1500 range, as is to serious collectors. The pearl grips are worth half the value by themselves. If properly repaired, $2000 to $2200, easy in an auction. Billy the Kid is said to have carried this model as his favorite handgun.

[Randy Hoffmann]

These are close up pictures of my GunFighter Pistol. This gun will be for sale once I fix its case of Thunder-itis. RH

[Randy Hoffmann]

If anyone knows where to get parts for this little beauty, such as the two missing screws and perhaps some trigger cocking parts, please let me know. Clicking on the above images "twice for a very close up look at this old weapon. RH

[Randy Hoffmann]

Thanks for the info on the gun. I have posted ten pictures of the weapon if you would like to look at them. Funny thing is that 20 years ago , I took the gun to a gunsmith to ask its value, and he Dismissed the gun as a collector piece because the pearl grips were after-market. I plan on repairing the gun myself, Just to see if I can. I appreciate your advice, thanks again, RH

[Jim K]

Oh, boy, lotsa luck! Some parts, like the screws, may be available. The cylinder stops have been reproduced but require fitting and it takes someone who knows what he is doing just to do that. A common problem is the hammer notch. Unlike the SAA, the notches can't be just cut deeper, since that throws the whole timing off. Hammers are not available.

The gun is a nightmare to work on and there are probably not more than one or two smiths who will even touch them. Colt won't work on them and has no parts. You might contact OPOEFC (see above post) who says he works on those guns.

Check www.gunpartscorp.com for a schematic and parts list or get their catalog.

Jim

[rcmodel]

Might try here.
http://www.coltparts.com/pt_1877da.html

I can tell you already you will break five or six new trigger springs before you get one working correctly.

And then break it, the next time you cock it again.

rc