Burgess slide action rifle

shrapnel · July 23, 2010, 12:18:48 AM

Has anyone ever heard of a Burgess Slide Action Repeating rifle? I never heard of such a thing, but found one on an internet auction...It has 2 barrels, caliber 44-40. I should have it here by sometime tomorrow. I will post pictures when it shows up. It was not cheap, but it looks nice.

Any knowledge of such a critter???

Herbert · July 23, 2010, 05:09:33 AM

the only Burgress slide action rifle I have heard of is the very rare 30-30 or 45-70 version were the action is operated by sliding the pistol grip,when it arives would it be posible to post pictures

Forty Rod · July 23, 2010, 05:59:54 PM

Could be a Colt Burgess .44-40. Two barrels would be the barrel above and magazine tube below. Can't figure the slide action part, though.

shrapnel · July 24, 2010, 01:15:17 PM

Quote from: Forty Rod on July 23, 2010, 05:59:54 PM
Could be a Colt Burgess .44-40. Two barrels would be the barrel above and magazine tube below. Can't figure the slide action part, though.

No, this is not a Colt Burgess, it is just a Burgess. It seems as if this guy was a fairly proficient gunmaker and built the pistol grip slide action on a shotgun as well.

I did get it, shot it today and hopefully will post some pictures.

It is a rare piece of Americana...

Forty Rod · July 24, 2010, 04:27:49 PM

Okay, now I follow you. Had an unusual sliding iron rear grip that actuated the gun.

Still don't follow the "2 barrels, caliber 44-40" in your original post, though. My references show 12 gauge shotguns and .45-70 and .30-30 rifles, all with magazine tubes beneath the barrel. No mention of any other calibers or gauges.

Rifles are said to be very rare and in the $2,000 t0 $4,500 bracket at 2007-2007 prices.

Real anxious to see it when you can arrange it.

shrapnel · July 24, 2010, 11:32:27 PM

Here are some pictures of the rifle. It is a take down with 2 separate barrels. It is extremely rare and I can tell you $4500.00 would be a bargain as I have more than $9,000.00 invested in it. I did see another one listed on James Julia's website and when I talked to them, they estimated it's value close to $14,000.00 and it only had the one barrel. It was, however, in better condition, but I believe this to be an extremely rare rifle...

Forty Rod · July 25, 2010, 01:15:37 AM

Well I'll be dipped. Now I understand the two barrels.

Yeah, I'd say that's rare enough. I guess you won't be seriously considering my offer of a hundred bucks for it, huh.

You gonna shoot it?

Qball · July 25, 2010, 04:17:48 AM

Now that is one impressive rifle, sir.
Congratulations on your buy

Herbert · July 25, 2010, 06:23:04 AM

extreamely rare rifle defintly, if not a one off,thank you for posting photos,a rifle anyone who apreciats fine antiques would be prowd to own

shrapnel · July 25, 2010, 07:47:17 AM

Quote from: Forty Rod on July 25, 2010, 01:15:37 AM
Well I'll be dipped. Now I understand the two barrels.

Yeah, I'd say that's rare enough. I guess you won't be seriously considering my offer of a hundred bucks for it, huh.

You gonna shoot it?

I already have...it shoots right where the sights are set.

The gun has some looseness as to the take down aspect of the rifle, but I will see if it can't be tightened by a competant gunsmith.

Qball · July 25, 2010, 08:44:28 AM

Does both barrels have the same calibre?

hawkeye2 · July 25, 2010, 09:01:58 AM

Handsome rifle and in great shape too! If you ever swap the barrels how about posting a picture with the short magazine. I am glad to hear you aren't affraid to shoot it, that's what they were built for. What caliber is it?

shrapnel · July 25, 2010, 05:52:07 PM

Here it is with the octagon barrel...

GunClick Rick · July 28, 2010, 12:34:17 AM

Holy moly!!!! That is one nice rifle!!!

What a buy!Lucky man...

shrapnel · July 28, 2010, 09:23:15 PM

I have come upon more interesting provenance on this rifle including a signed letter by James Serven a notable writer, who had been contacted in regards to this rifle back in 1957. I have copied some accompanying letters that surfaced in relation to this unique rifle and you will also not that I may have paid too much for this gun as one previous owner paid only $500.00 for it at one time...