I saw an Enfield that this fellow did in the 2002 Gun Digest. Anyone have an email address or phone number? Anyone had any work done by him? The rifle in the pictures looked great, and I saw some ideas that I like. - Dan

Burgess is recognized as a master metalsmith and his work brings premium prices in the secondary market. His output was never great and is (I understand) down to a trickle today. I believe he lives in Kalispell, MT. I would love to have him do some work if I had confidence I would get it before one of us dies.

Thanks, Forrest. - Dan

Dan,
If I`m not mistaken I stocked that Burgess Enfield barreled action. If it is the one I`m thinking of it is chambered for 416 Rigby.I have stocked three of these Burgess Enfields and in fact have one in my shop now to be changed from 340 Wtby to 416 Remington.They are unlike any enfield conversions I have ever seen and excellent in every way.

Dan,
I forgot to add Tom Burgess phone # to the above post 406-755-4110 after 5pm. He works at night.

D'arcy, yes you're right, that's the Enfield I was looking at. That rear portion of the receiver looks amazing. Very nice job on the stock, too ;.). Thanks. Take care. - Dan

Maurice Ottmar had two of those in his shop some years ago. He was doing a trade on wood vs metalwork with Tom. It was incredible and you had to look close to see aht it was ( I failed). Mauric ended up with ne of them but it was sold when his health failed.

Chic

Wow, there are some true Legends on this board!

Dan, I certainly do applaud your good taste!

I can't think of another metal specialist in the custom rifle field who is a greater artist and craftsman than Tom Burgess. He's been producing true, best-quality metalwork for what has to be close to fifty years by now. Burgess is, in my opinion, THE great pioneer of modern custom metalwork whose work has influenced just about every subsequent craftsman.

I remember marveling at Bugress metal jobs produced at least forty years ago that were stocked by Monte Kennedy, and that work will still compare very favorably to the very best work being produced today.

Retired stockmaker Earl Milliron is a good friend of mine. Back in the mid-1960's, Earl was commissioned to stock light little custom Sako's with Burgess metalwork for the purpose of retail sale in Portland's "Norm Thompson" store. Peter Alport managed Norm Thompson at the time, and he was good friends with Jack O'Connor. One day, O'Connor was in the store, spotted one of those cute little Sako's, and asked to be put in touch with Earl Milliron.

As a result, Earl went on to stock nine rifles for Jack O'Connor, and all of them featured Burgess metalwork. A very famous photo of O'Connor has Jack (dressed in sport jacket & tie) examining a fine custom rifle. That photo was taken in the basement workshop of Earl Milliron, and the rifle is a .280 Remington based on a squarebridge commercial Mauser action that O'Connor had picked up in London. It was the first rifle Milliron ever stocked for Jack O'Connor, and of course Tom Burgess did the metalwork, employing every possible refinement.

AD

A few years ago, George Caswell @ Champlin Firearms had a Burgess/Kennedy collaboration for sale. I passed on it for now insignificant reasons. I had regrets at the time and they grow by the day.

Wow, thanks for all the info guys.

D'arcy, is there any way you could post or email me photo's of the one you have in your shop? I'd really like a closer view of one of his rifles. Thanks. - Dan

I would also be VERY appreciative of any close up photos possible.

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NRA Life member

[This message has been edited by Bear Claw (edited 01-24-2002).]

I believe Tom Burgess to be one of the best metalsmiths in the world...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

Dan,
I have a hard enough time turning on my PC, sending pictures is beyond me,sorry.

Well, thanks anyway D'arcy. I'll call Mr. Burgess and see if he has any photo's or something. Thanks again. Take care - Dan

Just a little note about Tom Burgess. About a year ago I asked someone in D'Arcy Echols shop about tuning/adjusting Pre-64 Model 70 triggers. He gave me Tom's number.

I had never heard of Tom and I did not know of his accomplishments until this post. Regardless, I called Tom and he gave me excellent advice over the phone and was extremely helpful.

Really a true gentleman.