AMT Lightning 25/22

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The AMT Lightning 25/22 was a clone of the famous Ruger 10/22, that was produced by Arcadia Machine & Tool Comapny (AMT). Both major models, the "target" and "tactical" variants, featured AMT's famous stainless steel and black aesthetic. The "target" standard model is essentially just stainless steel Ruger 10/22 with black synthetic stock. The "tactical" model features a folding stock and some other interesting features to properly fit its name.

One version of the AMT Lightning, the Theoben Target Model, was made with supreme accuracy in mind. They are incredibly rare and


Specifications

(Note: These specs are mixed and all of them may not apply to one or the other model)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle.

Capacity: Any Ruger 10/22 Magazine, many capacities available. Tactical model came with 25 rounds standard.

Action: Semi-automatic.

Barrel Length: 17.5 inches (Tactical Model) / 20 inches (Target / Standard Model).

Weight: About 6 lbs.


Models List

"Tactical Model"

A photo of an AMT Lightning 25/22 rifle. (Tactical Model)

Featured a folding pistol-grip stock, and came standard with a 25 round magazine. Stainless barrel and receiver, and so on, fitting with the "tactical" name. In fact, it might be the case that only this model is designated the "25/22" hence the magazine capacity, but verifying this was difficult.


Target Model

This model is very much a "standard" Ruger 10/22 so to speak, but with a stainless barrel and receiver, and a black synthetic stock. Seems to have come with a 10 round magazine in the package.


Theoben "Target" Model

A photo of the extremely rare Theoben Target Model variant of the AMT Lightning 25/22 rifle.

Appears to have been a semi-custom rifle. Original gun would be manufactured by AMT, then modified for accuracy by Theoben, a formerly UK-based company primarily known for their match-grade airguns. It appears this rifle may have been modified in several ways. Some with bull barrel, others with what seems to be a built-in suppressor. Very little information is available on this obscure rifle variant.


More Oddities

There appear to have been some full-auto conversions of the Lightning 25/22 by John Norell. The primary difference seems to be the full-auto conversion, paired with a significantly shortened barrel. There may or may not be other companies who performed similar modifications to these rifles at the time.

A full-auto converted AMT Lightning 25/22 by John Norell, featuring a significantly shortened barrel.