1905 Ross Sporting Rifle Questions

[Mudd.Creek.Montana]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone might be able to point me toward any online references and/or photos of the 1905 Ross Sporter- what information I've come across so far generally pertains to the 1910, although there are mentions of the earlier (1905 rifle). Just curious, I've got a 1905 military rifle (which has been sporterized), and would like to get some point of reference on what the outward differences between the military and civilian models are.

What little information I've gathered so far indicate that the stock would most likely be tapered down somewhat and not run full length- but would it tend to have the same general appearance as the M10 sporter's stock, or would a barrel band be incorpated into the 1905's design? In addition, the rear sight would be a much more simplified affair (vs. the military), sort of like a "buckhorn" style sight. Also, it appears that the safety is somewhat different than the push button type found on the military rifle.

Other relevant questions in my mind include the sporting version's barrel length, front sight design, and also the presence (or absence) of the lifter. Also, were all of the 1905 sporters chambered for the .303, or were there other calibers (.280, etc.) marketed as well?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated, thanks!!!!!

 

[tiriaq]

Keep in mind that there are numerous variations in Ross rifles.
There were a number of different versions of 1905 action based sporting rifles. The earlier ones were essentially factory sporterized service pattern rifles. Parts were adapted from issue pattern bits and pieces.
Probably the most common 1905 sporter is the "R" pattern. Its stock is not checkered, there is a barrel band, the Harris magazine paddle is present. The rear sight will be a Winchester semi-buckhorn step adjustable type, fitted in a barrel dovetail. Buttplate is early Mk. II service rifle style. The rifle presents as a light, slender, handy rifle.
An "E" is the fancier version. Stock will be checkered, and styled differently. Another version is the "M".
.303 is most common; .35 Winchester was also chambered. The Harris magazine paddle might be omitted.
.303 is most common; .35 Winchester was also chambered. The Harris paddle may be omitted, although the magazine will be a Harris pattern internally. There will be sight variations. The custom shop at the Ross factory was receptive to special orders.
As far as 1910 based sporting rifles are concerned, the most noticable difference between a sported service rifle and a factory sporter is the barrel contour. The sporter barrel is slender, similar to the 1905 barrel, while the service rifle's barrel is medium weight.

 

[WR1894]

Here is a picture of some of Ross sporters



The top is a 1901 Sporter in 370 express
Then a 1905/07 Sporter Model Scottish Deer Stalker in 280 Ross
Then a M10 Sporter in 280 and the bottom is a 1905 sporter is 303

There is a good book available on Ross rifle from a guy in Toronto, I can look up his information if you would like

John

 

[Mudd.Creek.Montana]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the information and photos!

 

[Mudd.Creek.Montana]

1905 Ross Sporter- Revisited, More Questions

Hi guys, regrding the 1905 Ross Sporters- were these marked the same as the military rifles (receiver), and were the barrels marked? Also, did they happen to have a different style of safety (say, a "switch" versus the "push button" style found on the military rifles)?

I was looking at a 1905 Ross for sale on the internet, and the descriptiuon is a little vague- I have been exchanging emails with the seller and have additional photos, but I'm not really sure that what he has isn't a "sporterized" military M1905, although there are a things that have me stumepd- to include the safety, and also the stock- which doesn't really look like a cut down military stock. Also, the barrel on the rifle for sale is approximately 24 inches- the front sight looks nothing like the one on my 1905 military Ross. In addition, the barrel is noted as being unmarked- the receiver markings look to be the same as those observed on the military rifle. Rifle is pretty "humble", needs a little work, but if it was a sporting rifle, it would be kind of fun to tinker with it (I am always game for a project), and it would look good standing alongside my 1895 Winchesters from the same period...but I don't need another "sporterized" military rifle, already have one of those :^)

If anyone's interested I'd be very grateful to email a few photos that I have been sent, I'm not sure how to post on the forum- thanks!!!