Colt-Burgess 1883 Carbine

Published on November 26, 2014
Duration: 7:02

The Colt-Burgess 1883 lever-action carbine, a rare firearm, is examined for its unique features and historical context. It boasted a mechanically superior toggle lock action and a distinctive sliding loading gate, outperforming the Winchester 1873 in some aspects. Its short production run, attributed to a 'gentleman's agreement' between Colt and Winchester, makes originals highly collectible, with Uberti offering modern reproductions.

Quick Summary

The Colt-Burgess 1883 lever-action carbine is a rare firearm due to Colt's focus on revolvers and a limited production run of ~6,400 units. It featured a stronger toggle lock action and a unique sliding loading gate, surpassing the Winchester 1873 in some mechanical aspects.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Rare Colt-Burgess
  2. 01:01Andrew Burgess: Inventor Background
  3. 01:33Mechanical Features: Toggle Lock & Gate
  4. 03:07The 'Gentleman's Agreement' & Limited Production
  5. 06:12Conclusion & Modern Reproductions

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt-Burgess 1883 a rare firearm?

The Colt-Burgess 1883 is rare primarily because Colt is historically known for revolvers, not lever-action rifles. Its production was also limited to only about 6,400 units due to a market-sharing agreement between Colt and Winchester.

What were the key mechanical advantages of the Colt-Burgess 1883?

The Colt-Burgess featured a mechanically superior toggle lock action, which was stronger and could handle higher pressures than the Winchester 1873. It also had a shorter receiver, making it lighter, and a unique sliding loading gate.

Why did Colt stop producing the Burgess rifle?

Colt ceased production of the Burgess rifle around 1885 due to a 'gentleman's agreement' with Winchester. Both companies agreed to focus on their respective strengths—Colt on revolvers and Winchester on rifles—to avoid direct competition.

Are there modern versions of the Colt-Burgess available?

Yes, for enthusiasts who cannot obtain an original, the Italian manufacturer Uberti produces modern reproduction copies of the Colt-Burgess carbine, offering a similar look and feel.

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