AMT Lightning 25/22
The AMT Lightning 25/22 was a clone of the famous Ruger 10/22, that was produced by Arcadia Machine & Tool (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 appear to be incredibly rare.
Contents
Ruger Lawsuit
As a result of the popularity and extreme similarity between the Lightning 25/22, as well as the AMT Lightning pistol, Ruger ended up suing Arcadia Machine & Tool. The lawsuit did not appear to be over patent rights, but rather a trademark claim, where Ruger took the position that the extremely similar appearance of the AMT products would confuse the average consumer. Apparently, there was an out of court settlement where AMT agreed to stop producing the AMT Lightning pistol. However, it appears AMT was able to continue making the Lightning 25/22 (rifle).
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) / 20.5 inches (Target / Standard Model), 25.5-inches (Theoben target model..?)
Weight: About 6 lbs.
Models List
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
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. One change was the inclusion of a "pistol-grip" style wood stock, typical of what you'd find on many match-grade rifles. Also, all of them may have came with a built-in suppressor, considering the UK market. And finally, it appears that it featured a 25.5 inch barrel. Unfortunately, very little information is available on this obscure rifle variant overall.
Oddities
There appear to have been some full-auto conversions of the Lightning 25/22 by John Norrell. The primary difference seems to be (of course) the full-auto conversion, along with a significantly shortened barrel, protruding only slightly past the stock. There may or may not be other companies who performed similar modifications to these rifles at the time.
Video / Comparison to Ruger 10/22
A great YouTube video by Michael Bell showcases the differences between the AMT Lightning 25/22 and a stainless Ruger 10/22 model, as well as some other great information on these guns.
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