Ross M-1 Questions

[gmf]

I'm in the process of taking possession of my dad's firearms. He inherited many from his dad over 10 years ago, and now I've got 2 Ross M-10 rifles that I'm looking get to more appreciative owners.

I'm hoping to go to the EE forum, but first wanted to ask the experts here. Do these have any common issues? Are there things I should look for? I don't know when they were last fired or if they'd fire again, and am not keen to find out myself. Some shots are attached, any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Oldguncrank]

Dear GMF
What you have is two cut down and sporterized Mk III military rifles. There are issues such as protruding trigger guard on #2, "artwork" on the stocks, and an extension on # 1 and perhaps more, once they are cleaned up.
We need barrel conditions and preferably a fired case measured to determine if the chambers have been reamed (so they would handle substandard British ammo in WW1) thus making them a chore to reload for.
I am sorry to tell you that they have no collector value save perhaps if the barrels are still full length (28.5") such that they could be re-converted to military trim but the cost(s) would be prohibitive.
If I saw them on a table at a gun show and IFF I wanted them I would perhaps offer $400 for the pair as equal examples have (finally) gone out at $300 or so.
Good luck in your endeavours.
Oldguncrank

 

[tiriaq]

Sorry, these have only nominal value. I would suggest not more than $150 or so each. Waaay too much has been done to them.

 

[points]

Like Oldgun said. Very pricey to rebuild even if the barrel is full length. If bore and chamber are good, they can fetch anywhere from 150 to 250. I live in Mission if you are close by, I can gauge them for you to see if they are still alright.

 

[Oldguncrank]

GMF:
Forgot to say go onto the Ross Rifle Site and do some reading as to blow back and bolt assembly as it takes too long to write it all out again and there is a LOT of misinformation out there.
The actions are stronger than Mausers and '03 Springfields, so no worries there, so just insure that the bolts are assembled correctly (see above), clean any mud dobbers out of the bore and fire away.
Again good luck
OGC

 

[tiriaq]

Both barrels are cut.

 

[cosmic]

Looks like some mods were done to the magazine bodies?

 

[tiriaq]

Yup.

 

[gmf]

Dear GMF
What you have is two cut down and sporterized Mk III military rifles. There are issues such as protruding trigger guard on #2, "artwork" on the stocks, and an extension on # 1 and perhaps more, once they are cleaned up.
We need barrel conditions and preferably a fired case measured to determine if the chambers have been reamed (so they would handle substandard British ammo in WW1) thus making them a chore to reload for.
I am sorry to tell you that they have no collector value save perhaps if the barrels are still full length (28.5") such that they could be re-converted to military trim but the cost(s) would be prohibitive.
If I saw them on a table at a gun show and IFF I wanted them I would perhaps offer $400 for the pair as equal examples have (finally) gone out at $300 or so.
Good luck in your endeavours.
Oldguncrank

Thanks very much! Disappointing news but great to shed some light on these pieces.

 

[flying pig]

Gmf, could you show us some more pictures of how they modified the magazines? I am working on something possibly similar and wouldn't mind an extra idea or two. Are they single shot or repeaters still?