This model was Colt's only attempt to compete head to head with Winchester in the lever action rifle market. The Burgess was arguably superior to the contemporary Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1886 rifles. The action was shorter and more refined than the comparable Model 1873. A total of just 3,775 rifles were manufactured between 1883 and 1885. Legend has it that production was halted after an undocumented meeting between Colt and Winchester during which Colt agreed to stay out of the lever action market and Winchester agreed to not release a revolver design (they had been working prototypes for years). It has a dovetailed blade front sight, the two-line Colt address and patent marking between Maltese crosses on top of the barrel, an adjustable sporting rear sight, the Rampant Colt trademark on the left, factory tapped upper tang for peep sight mounting, and a smooth stock and forearm with traditional rifle buttplate featuring a compartment (cleaning rod not included).

Very good as period refinished. The rifle retains 30% of the dull blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina. The lever catch is missing, and the upper tang is missing a screw. The wood is very good with a long crack near the upper tang and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.