Ross Cadet Questions

[Loyer]

Hello guys. Just received this cadet in the Canada Post delivery.
From the serial number I think it is a civilian target rifle. The stock says: 507316 (and D W M and a crown stamped under the pistol grip) as does the receiver but barrel is : 14949. Only issue I can see is a repaired crack in the stock. Seller believed the sling to be original. Also, the bolt handle is a simple cylinder, not a donut shaped handle.
1) would this be a replaced barrel ?
2) am I correct in thinking this is a civilian rifle?
3) is the leather sling correct to the era?
4) what date would this have been made?
5) whats up with a cylindrical bolt handle?

bottom rifle:

 

[Loyer]

no one ?

 

[smellie]

Cylindrical bolt handle, as far as I know, is a replacement. Any I have seen which have been undicked-with have the regular round handle with the hole, just like a Service rifle but smaller, of course.

DWM: Deutsche Waffen-und-Munitionsfabriken (which I doubt) or, more likely,

Department of Wildlife Management, with a rack number.

Sorry I can't help any farther. These are sort-of high in the price department for my budget these days.

Guess I'll have to make-do with this 1944 Long Branch; it has almost 50 rounds through it now.

 

[LawrenceN]

As smellie says, the bolt handle is a replacement. Was the rear sight installed upside down for shipping purposes? As to it being a sporter, I could be wrong but I think the .22's were made solely for the military. That said, many Ross rifles ended up in many different hands over the years.

 

[flying pig]

There were commercial versions of the Cadet as well. If I remember correctly I believe there was even a factory sporter. Nice little rifle!

 

[Loyer]

As smellie says, the bolt handle is a replacement. Was the rear sight installed upside down for shipping purposes? As to it being a sporter, I could be wrong but I think the .22's were made solely for the military. That said, many Ross rifles ended up in many different hands over the years.

Yes ; The end part just screws on the receiver and I thought this would made the peep sight safe from bumping. I picked this up for $440. Maybe paid too much but I am developing a Ross Obsessive Collector Disease (ROCD). It hurts so good.

 

[Kirk1701]

Yes ; The end part just screws on the receiver and I thought this would made the peep sight safe from bumping. I picked this up for $440. Maybe paid too much but I am developing a Ross Obsessive Collector Disease (ROCD). It hurts so good.

In no way did you over-pay. That's a fine price for a Ross Cadet. I normally see them between $500 and $600.

 

[morrisdcode]

A few little Ross's I have collected over the years.

1. Got it at a show a while back, decided I wanted a scoped version so I glued on a 3/8 rail and topped it with an old weaver.
2. Just picked this one up, Nessbitt Trophy civilian rifle.
3. The one that started it all, shoots shorts great and accurate.
4. Original Ross 1912 sporter, rare.
5. A restocked ex military, looks very professionally done

I like the 1912's they all good shooters and can shoot them in the back yard with CB shorts and longs.

 

[smellie]

FLYING PIG is quite correct; while a lot of these went to the military, there was a commercial version with a half-stock. Also, quite a number of rifles of the military version (as this one) went to Cadet Corps, local Target Shooting Clubs and to individuals.

By the time this little rifle came out in 1912, the Ross had made its name in international target shooting. With the great interest in Defence and Marksmanship which existed at that time, this guaranteed excellent sales for the new rifle.

Hey! Smart idea for protecting the rear sight!

Come to think on it, that current Bolt Handle looks very like the ones which were used on the VERY early Cooey Canucks. I have seen several Cadets over the years with this type of Bolt Handle..... wonder if there is any connection. Howard W. Cooey WAS a contractor for the Ross battle Aperture Sights during the Great War, started building .22s and .25s after the war, along with at least one .32RF rifle. Or was it just the easiest type to make? In that case, why so many Cadets needing replacement of a part which actually DOES nothing? Mysteries, always mysteries. Just so very MUCH has been forgotten......


MORRISDCODE, I think there will be a lot of people drooling at your No. 4. Very nice indeed!

 

[Ax.338]

A few little Ross's I have collected over the years.

1. Got it at a show a while back, decided I wanted a scoped version so I glued on a 3/8 rail and topped it with an old weaver.
2. Just picked this one up, Nessbitt Trophy civilian rifle.
3. The one that started it all, shoots shorts great and accurate.
4. Original Ross 1912 sporter, rare.
5. A restocked ex military, looks very professionally done

I like the 1912's they all good shooters and can shoot them in the back yard with CB shorts and longs.

Very nice collection you have there. Thanks for sharing.

 

[morrisdcode]

Thanks guys
These little Ross Rifles are very addictive and the values seem to be creeping up, so I guess others are also in to them.
It is kinda funny how things go, when I was 17, 25 plus years ago and started looking at Ross's people told me to stay away from them, something about them not being safe. Well I've shot many and I'm still OK, plus they always are going up in value so they are also a safe investment.
For kicks and giggles I also made a new rear sight that takes Lyman apertures, I found the original too large for target work.
With the scope on No 1 the thing is stupid accurate , I don't even believe it. I'll try and find an old target from 100 yrds.
I think that number 3 is going up for sale, starting to get tight for space (safe dings) and no number 4 is not on the block.