Firearms of the Frontier Partisans — Burnham’s Weapons

Burnham’s Lee-Metford rifle and Remington revolver. The gunleather is reportedly original.

Frederick Russell Burnham was a noted scout, explorer and prospector at the turn of the 20^th Century. He was a youth in Arizona Territory during the last of the Apache Wars and was embroiled in the dark business of the Tonto Basin Feud. He prospected in Alaska during the great gold rush. Most famously, he was part of the Pioneer Column that took the land across the Limpopo River in southern Africa to create Rhodesia, and a scout for the British Army in the Boer War.

His books “Scouting on Two Continents” and “Taking Chances” are foundational texts for any student of frontier history, special operations or African military history.

Burnham, left, with his half-stocked Lee-Metford, during the Matable Wars in Rhodesia, Southern Africa, 1896.

Burnham’s primary arms in Africa were the ubiquitous British military single-shot Martini-Henry rifle, a sporterized Lee-Metford rifle and an 1875 Remington revolver with hippo ivory grips. The bolt-action, magazine fed Lee-Metford was the immediate predecessor of the legendary Lee-Enfield that would serve the British Army through both World Wars. It was a durable, accurate rifle. Its .30 caliber cartridge would have been light for big African game, but certainly adequate for pot hunting.

The Remington was an excellent revolver; sturdier than the contemporary Colt. That durability is reflected in the fact that Burnham apparently carried his through decades of adventure.