The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Several years ago Uberti introduced a reproduction of the Colt Burgess lever action rifle. Has anyone any experience of this model?

Redcat

Never seen one in the flesh, but like all Uberti it’s no doubt a good one. Definitely one for the purist, who loves a little controversy...! Most people don’t know that such a thing existed...

Did any ever come into the UK Derek?

If so then I missed it as I would have had one in a heart beat.

Krank brought in 4 - all .45 Colt I think. I reviewed a carbine in 2011. There was a problem with firing pins bending which could not be resolved and those that bought them had their money refunded I believe. Three of the four were seemingly de-activated. I've just bought the fourth one and will look to have the pin problem resolved. They are still available in the US if Taylor's web site is accurate - in excess of $1300.00!

Redcat

Sim G wrote:Never seen one in the flesh, but like all Uberti it’s no doubt a good one. Definitely one for the purist, who loves a little controversy...! Most people don’t know that such a thing existed...

Agree with the "purist" sentiment but not sure what you mean about "controversy".

Redcat

The “controversy” revolves, (no pun intended) why the Colt-Burgess was so short lived, given it was superior in strength to the 1873 Winchester that dominated the repeating rifles of the day.

Supposedly, Winchester began importing an English made shotgun to undercut Colts just introduced 1878. Then, Winchester began to import Webley revolvers to go up against Colt again. Colt then purchased Andrew Burgess’ patent and released the rifle onto the market. Then Winchester head hunted William Mason away from Colt to design a revolver for direct competition to the SAA!

Allegedly, a “gentleman’s agreement” was reached between the two companies and Colt ceased production of the Burgess and Winchester never pursued their own revolver and halted the import of foreign made.

Some historians have questioned the validity of the story, but the Burgess didn’t progress and Winchester never cataloged a “belt pistol”, so perhaps there is something in it...

Is this your review then Redcat?

http://www.gunmart.net/militaria/reprod ... 83-carbine

No, I think that was done by John Northmore.

Redcat

Sim, I thought that's what you might be referring to. There is a good chapter on this in Sam Maxwell's book Lever Action Magazine Rifles in which he presents a good case against this story.

Redcat

Wasn't it discontinued because Colt had something better in the pipeline, the Colt Lightning?