Ross MkIII project complete

[bushwhacker]

I finally finished my MKIII. Yesterday I used a lathe to turn rivets for the handguard. Drilling the handguard and making and drilling the spring clips to hold the back of it down are probably the trickiest part of the whole job. Some of these photos have been on here before, but the one showing the handguard and front sight with hood are new. Thanks to those of you who sold me parts and those who supplied me with photos and measurements. It has been a learning experience. I have a chance at another couple of MkIII that need forend extended, and hopefully it will be easier the second time around. If I complete one of those, which have the stamped numbers on the butt, I will perhaps sell this one, but not until I try shooting it.
Bill

 

[cantom]

Beautiful job Bushwhacker, very impressive.

You've turned a Bubba into a beauty! I know how much work went into that rifle.

BTW, you should think about making a run of handguards. They are not obtainable anywhere and nobody else knows what you know about fabbing the spring clips, rivets, and the wood sizes and profiles.

 

[Gary D]

OK I have to ask, if you've got another two you can redo where in hell are you getting the front barrel bands and bayo lugs from???? Beautiful work BTW!!!!

 

[bushwhacker]

The trouble with making wood pieces is finding something with close to a match in the grain. Even this one is not as good as I would like it. You can match colour with stain and BLO mix, but not grain. The first Nosecap was the last one Elwood Epps had, This rifle had a Nosecap on it, the forend was whittled down at where the centre band used to be to fit it. I sold that nosecap to another guy, who has one of the rifles I am looking to buy. I just picked up a nosecap and centre band on EE, the Parts & Bits Wanted. I have a centre band and butt sling swivel that I don't think I will need, but if I see any parts I "might need some day", I grab them.