The receiver on the Burgess rifle is smaller than the Winchester 1873's, providing for a lighter firearm.

[6] A total of 6,403 Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were manufactured before production ended in 1885.

The truth of this story has never been fully verified, and as such, the reason for the Burgess rifle's short production history is unknown.

Colt notably introduced the Lightning Magazine Rifle in 1884 and may have been focusing their attention on their new product.

[1][4][5] Replicas of the Burgess rifle and carbine are currently produced by the Italian manufacturer Uberti chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge.