Burgess Rifle

The color-casehardened metalwork on Uberti’s Burgess rifle replica is flawless.

Like the Winchester ’73, the Burgess utilizes a top-mounted extractor. However, ejection is initiated by the spring-loaded collar surrounding the firing pin.

Unlike the Winchester which employs a pivoting loading gate, the Burgess’ loading gate slides fore and aft.

The author found that the sliding loading gate was actually easier to use than a pivoting type. Here at one of the cowboy action matches he loads up for another round.

The Burgess features a massive breech bolt within the receiver. Lockup is still with a toggle, but the throw is much shorter and thus stronger.

A buckhorn rear sight is adjustable for elevation via a notched elevator. Windage can be adjusted by drifting the sight within the dovetail.

Though not quite as slick out of the box as his Uberti 1873 replica rifle, the Burgess performed flawlessly for the author in a couple of cowboy action matches.

With its short receiver and overall length, the Burgess is a quick-handling rifle well-suited for cowboy action shooting, plinking or small-game hunting.

Overall the author had very few complaints with the Burgess rifle replica. He thought well enough of it to place an order for one in its original caliber, .44-40 W.C.F.