Ross 1905

[PerversPépère]

Well, I have been offered a somewhat "modified" Ross 1905.
I'm not very familiar with this particular model but it looks like it is missing the front portion of the stock, starting just at the junction of the rear sight.
BTW, the rear sight has what looks like a knurled ring which acts upon the sight.
Very interesting and peculiar mechanism.
Guy says the barrel is 28". I don't know how it has been measured. What is the usual untouched barrel length for that particular model? Can the stock be restored to its normal shape and what barrel bands should I try to find? Is there a bayonet lug on this model?.
Was there a factory sporter configuration?
PP.
Here are some pics I received:

 

[TheIndifferent1]

There was a posting here about a month ago regarding that rear sight configuration and how to use it. I'll see if I can find it.

Edit: Can't find it. I know it's in one of those Ross threads though.

 

[PerversPépère]

Ross 1903

For what I have found, it could be a Ross 1903 Mk I*.
Go see that link: http://www.angelfire.com/vt/milsurp/r03.html
It shows the rifle; although the upper part of the rear sight is missing, one can make out the knurled adjustment ring setup.
Making the front part of the stock shouldn't be too difficult.
Finding the missing bands, bayonet mount and front sight hood is another story, though...
Tiriaq, any hints on this one?
PP.

 

[tiriaq]

Its an early Mk. II. With a 1906 date, very early. Barrel looks OK. Being cut behind the band makes a hidden splice impossible. The restoration woodwork would be challenging. You need a middle band as well as a nosecap. I MAY have a nosecap, will have a look. Middle band should be no problem. Also need the related screws. An option would be to try to find a stock that is sported in front of the band; chances of finding an unaltered stock are slim. A Mk. II, II**** or II***** stock would work, a stock from a II**, or II*** wouldn't. The front handguard could be difficult to find, might have to make one.

 

[PerversPépère]

Wood

I'll make one. The Ross rifles have such a good reputation for accuracy, I think this one deserves to be saved from Bubba.
If the front part of the stock cannot be spliced to be hidden, I'll make one that is at least pleasing and strong, like the Finns did to their Mosin stocks.
Do you know what kind of wood was used for those stocks? I have a lot of black walnut at hand but I don't know if it would match in color.
PP.

 

[tiriaq]

Mk. III rifles tend to be stocked in black walnut or yellow birch. The earlier rifles seem to use European (Italian?) walnut; seems lighter. It may be hard to get a colour match with domestic wood. Could be easier to use sapwood, and darken with stain to get a match. I was thinking of the spliced Finn stocks when I was looking at the photos. Rather than a finger joint, a vertical V might be OK. At least the joint line in the stock would curve on the sides. If the splice ran through the screw for the Harris magazine, it would be camouflaged a bit.

 

[coyote john]

Ross accuracy

Yes, most Ross' are very accurate. One thing that you might want to check is the bore, as it might be 308 not 311. Old Ross sometimes did that. I have one with a 308 bore. Neck the brass down to 308 and shoot 308 bullets in it.
It will also shoot 311's, not quite as accurately and watch for pressure signs.
Best of luck,
Coyote John

 

[green]

Rear sight is complete. It is a "Sight Ross MkII" not to be confused with the "Sight Ross MkIII" which had a flat stamped leaf on a similar base.

 

[tiriaq]

There is every probability that the bore is .30 rather than .303. Late production Mk. II** rifles had .303 bores, the earlier 1905 actionned rifles had .30. The Ross's reputation for accuracy emerged at Bisley. The II** rifles did very well, as did the .280 match rifles.

 

[PerversPépère]

Bayonet lug?

Here are three pictures of a part that was screwed under the front stump of that poor amputated stock.
I guess this are the remains of a "bona fide" nose cap that has been cut and the bayonet lug machined off. It looks very flat and I doubt someone not very experienced would get such a flat surface with an ordinary file.
Or could it be something else? You tell me.
I think I have a middle band somewhere.
PP.

 

[tiriaq]

Yup, that's the remains of a nosecap. Few extra holes added, as well. I've taken the photos, they will be emailed once I get them loaded into the computer.

 

[Rossguy]

It looks like you have the remains of a MkII with a MkIII sight.Sight hoods are available.It still has the original flat buttplate.The later MkII nosecap has the bayo lug on it, and will work.With no top wood and stock markings gone, I'd save your money and leave it alone.Very few Commercial 1905-M's were produced that were similar.

 

[PerversPépère]

Explain

Hi, RossGuy!
What do you mean exactly by leaving it alone? The metal condition on this rifle is in a very good state and, if restoring the rifle to its former state is out of the question, I'll at least try to restore that rifle to a shape and function that approximates its original design.
The wood will be the easiest part.
I know it is very difficult to find some original parts like the middle band and especially that nosecap, but if I could get some drawings with measurings, I bet I could fashion something that closely approaches the original parts.

And if, by chance, someone has parts that would fit, please, do PM me!
PP.