...this is the most appropriate place I think. Anyone tried one of these out? I think I want one, with case colors and a 24 inch barrel in 45 Colt...

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/Lightning.tpl

That page caught my eye a few weeks back. The forum readers at leverguns.com were familiar with them, but they pointed me to USFA, who offer some gorgeous variants of the Lightning, made in the US. These they reported to be better made, but of course they cost more as well. On the whole, the shooters of the Lightnings aren't the most enthusiastic lot. Over the years I've read the Lightnings are weak, finicky, and a pill to disassemble. It'd be nice to see someone bring back the Remington 14's.

asdf, I just went over there and did a search. It seems that regardless of who makes the Lightning replica, reviews are hit and miss. That's a shame...

I've gathered that the USFA's are well made, and the Uberti's are not bad, but apparently the design wasn't the most sound in the first place. I remember reading less than favorable comments on the originals before the current batch of replicas became available. Still, many owners are pleased with their guns and have adapted to the quirks. I won't be getting one, but getting a slide action still has its appeal.