AMT Lightning 25/22
The AMT Lightning 25/22 was a .22 LR-caliber semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT).
| AMT Lightning 25/22 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Semi-automatic rifle |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Arcadia Machine & Tool |
| Produced | 1984–1994[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6lb[1] |
| Length | 26.5" (Folded), 37.5" (Opened)[1] |
| Barrel length | 17.5"[1] |
| Cartridge | .22 LR[1] |
| Caliber | .22 |
| Action | Blow-back, semi-automatic |
| Feed system | 25 or 30-round detachable box magazine[1] |
As is alluded to in the nomenclature, the Lightning 25/22 is functionally a clone of the Ruger 10/22 with the substitution of a larger 25-round magazine instead of the 10-round magazine used by Ruger. Also, the receiver is stainless steel rather than aluminum and features a Stainless Steel and Nylon folding stock and pistol grip rather than the wooden or composite stock mounted on the 10/22. The rifle also features an extended magazine release.[2]
The AMT Lightning line, which included direct clones of the Ruger 10/22 and Mark II pistol, eventually prompted a lawsuit against AMT that forced them to discontinue the line.
The AMT Lightning was also exported to the UK and tuned by Theoben Engineering, the result was the AMT/Theoben Target Model. This rifle is known for its reliability; accuracy and rarity. Produced in very small numbers this rifle had a bull target barrel and a special evolution moderator to fit the larger barrel (.917).
References
- Ken Ramage (2008). The Gun Digest Buyers' Guide to Guns. p. 262.
- Dan Shideler (2009). The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900-Present. Gun Digest Books. p. 269. ISBN 978-0896898240.