The Pedersoli Lightning: A Top-Selling Pump-Action Rifle

by
posted on August 22, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
pedersoli.jpg

Davide Pedersoli began his firearm business in 1957, specializing at first in side-by-side and over-under hunting shotguns. In 1960, the Italy-based company changed focus to muzzleloaders. Today the firm has earned a reputation for attention to detail and producing complete firearms with the kind of workmanship you expect from European makers.

Davide died in 1996, but his son, Pierangelo has carried on the tradition while expanding the offerings. The dedication to quality and timeless design has never wavered and the company continues its muzzleloading roots, even offering some great kits reviewed by American Rifleman—like the Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol.

As for the quality that goes into complete firearms, though, the Davide Pedersoli Lightning rifle—based on a popular Colt firearm from the late 1800s—was so popular stateside last year that it ranked fourth among all pump-actions in Gunbroker.com’s 2019 ranking. It didn’t make the top-10 in 2018, so gun owners are taking notice.

The number of versions, undoubtedly, has caught the attention of many gun owners. With two dozen variations, there’s likely something for everyone. Barrel lengths are 24- or 26-inches for the rifle versions—round profile or octagonal, depending on model. Carbine models come with a 20-inch barrel.

Chamberings available include .357 Mag., .44-40 Win. or .45 Colt. Three finishes are offered: blue action and metalwork with a walnut stock; case hardened action and checkered walnut stock; or a deluxe coin-finish action and triggerguard, with hand engraving and fine checkering on the walnut stock.

The looks are classic and timeless. The guns are not 100-percent accurate replicas, though. As Pedersoli explains on its website, “…we made important modifications to the mechanical parts to make the rifle more safe and reliable.” The company website doesn’t include MSRPs, but the Standard version of the Lightning, with 20-inch barrel and blued metalwork, is currently running around $1,500 at many FFLs.

Latest

Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web
Charter Arms Double Dog Gotw Web

Gun Of The Week: Charter Arms Double Dog

For this Gun Of The Week episode, we’re on the range with a convertible wheelgun from Charter Arms, and it’s one that goes from .357 Mag to 9 mm Luger quickly and easily. Welcome to the Double Dog.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Robbins & Lawrence Story: Pioneers Of Mass Production

The Robbins & Lawrence company of Windsor, Vt., was an early pioneer in the field of mass production, using machine tools and interchangeable parts to produce firearms for both the U.S. and British governments.

CMP Auctions Move To GunBroker.com

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has moved its popular auctions to GunBroker.com, an online firearm marketplace that launched in 1999, to further support the future of the shooting sports and firearm ownership.

I Have This Old Gun: The French Charleville Musket

One of the most important military arms ever made, the French Charleville musket saw use in the American Revolution and armed French troops throughout the Napoleonic Wars.

CVA Endura Series: The Modernized Muzzleloader Of 2025

CVA built on the success of its Paramount muzzleloader to create the Endura, a design that the company calls "the most advanced muzzleloader series CVA has ever built."

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.