Taylor’s Uberti Model 1883 Burgess .44 WCF Lever Action Rifle w/ Box, 2011
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 220110JA008
Make: Taylor’s & Co., Mfg. By Uberti
Model: 1883 Burgess
Serial Number: M00334
Year of Manufacture: 2011 (CH Date Code)
Caliber: .44 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “TAYLOR’S & CO. WINCHESTER VA – A. UBERTI ITALY”, the left shoulder at the rear is marked “44 W.C.F.”. The left side of the barrel is marked with two Italian proof marks. The bottom of the receiver is marked “CAT. 16331”. The upper tang is marked “M00334” and the lower tang is marked “A. UBERTI-ITALY”. The right side of the upper tang that is protected by the buttstock is marked “T 100”, the left side is marked with two Italian proof marks, the “CH” date code, the Uberti logo, and the serial number. The lower tang is marked “A. UBERTI-ITALY” and with the serial number. The left side of the lower tang is also marked with the serial number. The left side of the bolt is marked with an Italian proof mark.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinched blade that is dovetailed and set screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn square notch elevator sight that is dovetailed and set screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth wood with a capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a crescent blue steel buttplate. The wood shows some infrequently scattered light marks and some areas of stubborn dried grease on the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the end of the plate. The plate shows hardly any wear. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just some scattered faint erosion.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The case coloring has slightly thinned in some areas but is generally strong throughout. There are some sparse marks throughout the barrel and magazine tube. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever safety and lock are present. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in its original serial matching box with paperwork including a manual.
Our Assessment: On display, we have an Uberti reproduction of the Colt Model 1883 Burgess rifle. As paraphrased from Dave Campbell on American Rifleman, “The design came from Andrew Burgess, born on January 16th, 1837 in New York. As the story goes, representatives from Winchester visited Colt and brought along a pair of prototype revolvers, informing the heads at Colt that the New Haven folks were looking at getting into the revolver market. However, if Colt discontinued its lever action, Winchester might reconsider such a costly investment. Colt relented, and Winchester discontinued the revolver project. Because of the “agreement” with Winchester, the Colt 1883 Burgess rifle had a short run of 16 months—and only 6,403 examples were produced.” The is a gorgeous and faithful copy of the historic and short lived Colt lever action rifle. It comes in its original serial matching box which is clean, showing little wear. This is a terrific piece that would make a great time at the range as well as sit nicely in a lever action collection. Please see our photos and good luck!