While the Colt .22 Long Rifle is almost identical to a standard M1911A1 on the outside, internally there are key differences, most notably the frame-mounted fixed 5-inch barrel and blowback operation.

Colt’s new rifle was initially brought out as a medium-frame model chambered in .32-20 Win., .38-40 Win. and .44-40 Win., making the Lightning compatible with Colt’s Single Action Army and its ...