POTD: The 45-70 That Could Have Been – The Burgess 1878
Sam.S 03.18.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Andrew Burgess’ Model 1878 rifle (aka Whitney-Burgess-Morse) chambered in .45-70 Government had the potential to rival the Winchester 1876, being able to handle that powerful cartridge. However, several misjudgments quickly derailed production after less than two years. First, unreliable lifter mechanisms caused rampant double-feeds, leading to failure in the 1878 military trials – yet production tooling had already been finalized before awaiting trial results. Compounding issues, sensitive primers on UMC ammunition frequently detonated in the magazine tube until a special loading addressed this. Originally offered in both rare top-loading and preferred side-loading variants, the Model 1878 saw limited military carbine and sporting rifle production. The samples shown include an extremely rare first model top-loader and the also very scarce third model carbine with bayonet lug – most top-loaders were eventually converted to side-loaders. Poor timing and unforeseen ammunition issues unfortunately stunted this potentially significant repeater design.
“Manufacturer: Whitney Arms CompanyModel: Burgess Morse-RifleType: RifleGauge: 45-70Barrel: 26 inch octagonFinish: blueStock: walnutManufactured 1878-82. One of less than 3,000 produced.”
Lot 21: Whitney-Burgess-Morse Lever Action Rifle. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved March 17, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1044/21/whitneyburgessmorse-lever-action-rifle.
