Ross rifle, what have I got here?

ChromeArty

ChromeArty

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
215   0   0
Location
Sunshine Coast (PR)
Picked this up for 400 bucks at the local gun shop. I think it may not be full military spec unfortunately.


What do you knowledgeable types say? :)
 

Attachments

  • 20210928_185021.jpg
    20210928_185021.jpg
    115.7 KB · Views: 623
  • 20210928_185159.jpg
    20210928_185159.jpg
    130.4 KB · Views: 629
You have a Mk2***

As others have said, wood has been cut but barrel looks to be original.
Unfortunately barrel bands are missing sling swivels and bayonet lug.
 
If the mid band is in the right place, and if the front band is original (if it is original it appears to be missing the bayonet lug and sling swivel) and if the cartouches are still on the right side of the butt...if all those thing are true I'd find a matching pieces of walnut and splice it in between the two bands. Then look for a sight hood.
 
That old girl should make a great hunting rifle, for ranges out the 200 yards.

You will never recoup the cost of putting that rifle back to original condition.

It would be a labor of love only.

Parts are available, but they aren't cheap.

Look on this site Ross Rifle Restoration
 
I think this is likely an excellent candidate for restoration IF the barrel hasn't been cut (and I don't believe it has) and the bore is decent, and especially if the stamps on the right side of the butt haven't been sanded off. From what I can see, minimal parts and expense are likely required. Some pretty skilled metalwork would be required. A new upper forearm needs to be spliced in under the mid band, the mid band needs to be replaced or, preferably, the sling swivel and boss restored, the bayonet stud and swivel on the upper band need to be restored and it needs a sight hood and screws. Reproduction mid bands and hoods are available and the presence of the upper band is a major plus. Original upper bands are, without a doubt, the most difficult metal part to find.

OP, please post a photo of the right side face of the butt.
 
C/A
The barrel should measure 28 1/2 to the throat. Looks like that to my old eyes and I think Bubba did not have the skill to set the sight back.
IFF (if and only if) the barrel is as above AND the numbers stamped in the starboard side of the butt stock are clearly legible, it is a candidate for restoration, but there is no point if not.
For more steers, post pics as per B/N above.
OGC
 
rifle stock reproductions for the Ross Mk II ht tps://rossriflerestoration.com/Ross-MKIII.php

I did see a site that had forend stock replacement for rifles with the forestock that was cut off (can't find it right now). Basically, it would be like a duffle cut after or go with above.
 
I would be more inclined to grain match a piece of walnut to the stock and inlet it. Black walnut can be bleached almost white and stained to match the stock. As OGC has implied, the restored rifle would likely never be worth more than the restored cost if the the stamps have been sanded off.
 
1905 Mk II***, with the stock lightly sanded by the look of it. If it has a US flaming bomb on the underside of the wrist behind the trigger guard then it was one of a bunch shipped to the US,and if not it will be one of the less common ones of that model not shipped. The stock has been shortened but not the barrel. If you are going to shoot it check the chamber. On the US ones in particular the issue of "sticky" cartridges was dealt with by reaming the chambers, so the brass will definitely "fireform" :) Sight hoods are being replicated now as are front barrel bands, as yours has had the bayonet lug chopped. You probably paid about the right amount for it, and it is probably worth restoring the stock, especially if the bore is good. If the bore is ratpoop then maybe not.

Ed
 
Greener is an excellent read. Your taste in rifles is good too. :d

Have a look at that buttstock with black light and you might see more of the markings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom