My new very reasonable priced Ross M-10

[rayg]

I saw an add on one of the forums for a M10 Ross rifle for $250 shipped. The ad said it was a parts rifle and was not to shoot. Figured the parts were worth it so I bought it.
When I arrived home from a gun show this weekend the rifle was at the house and after checking it, all I can find wrong with it is the bolt is mismatched. The finish is 95% just the stock has some usage wear. What is the PLY stamp on the barrel? Is it an inspectors stamp?

In addition to the Ross I just just had an unbelievable weekend. At a show I picked up a super scarce marked original 1917 Enfield grenade launcher. And that's not all. I also found and bought a super scarce Enfield rifle wire cutter attachment. The attachment also fits the Ross.

Couldn't ask for a better weekend, Ray

[buffdog]

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We now believe that the PLY and the number marked on the receiver were rifles that were originally given to the British Royal Marines, after the Canadians were given SMLE rifles. PLY is Plymouth, CRB is Crombie and PH is Priddies Hard, a Navy Base used for ammunitioning.

These rifles show up occasionally as sporterized rifles, the work having been done by a yet unidentified company in England. There should be British Commercial proofs on the barrel.

Your rifle does not have the pin modification to help prevent the bolt from being assembled wrongly. MAKE SURE YOU READ THE STICKIES ON HOW TO PROPERLY ASSEMBLE A BOLT BEFORE FIRING THE RIFLE.

I would also use the search function, and You should look through the previous posts here on bolt assembly as there are pictures posted on this subject.

Look at the thread posted on 5/23/2012 -"m10 Bolt jammed in" and you will see some pictures of proper bolt assembly and a pinned bolt carrier.
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[rayg]

Thanks for the advice buffdog. I did check out the info on the bolts. Mine appears to be correct. In addition if you use a flash light and shine it on the left side of the bolt in the opening you will be able to see the lug turn as the bolt is being closed, Ray

[buffdog]

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Using a small flashlight to check the proper bolt engagement is something I have been telling people for years, and have mentioned in several previous posts. It also works for the 1905 too, but I always check a 1910 action to be absolutely certain.

[smellie]

Nice-looking rifle, Ray!

Can you post a full-length shot of the old girl for us?

I have been shooting mine with a Sierra 180 flatbase on top of 36 grains of IMR-4895 and she likes it a lot. This is quite a MILD loading, gets 2350 ft/sec, which is 200 less than you would get with Mark VII ammo. Still, the groups are nice and tight.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Ross Rifles!
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[rayg]

Sorry for the posting delay smellie for the request for more photos but I just checked back to this post.
Here are the full length posts, sorry they are not bigger but this is the best my camera will do.

I have it pictured with the MkI wire cutter I had bought to try it on the Ross.

Notice the mis matched serial number on the bolt, but not only that, it has a CRB stamp for Crombie Naval base on it also. No import stamps and it's missing the front sight cover. Does anyone have one for sale? Ray

[buffdog]

The full wood stock is interesting. Most of the PLY/CRB ones we see are sporterized versions. I might suspect someone replaced the stock with an original military one. Mismatched bolts on these rifles are common too. It would appear that these rifles were surplused to the gunsmithing trade in England, and a cottage industry of converting them was active after WWII. Some of the people who converted them took less care when reassembling them to match the bolt and serial number.

[rayg]

There are no British commercial house nitro proof marks on the barrel unless they are under the wood and no US import stamps. I will take off the upper hand guard and look as soon as I get a chance, Ray

Ok, took the handguard off and no commerical proofs. That middle band hasn't been off in years. It took some doing to get it moved forward so I could take the handguard off. The band shows aging under it and also on the stock under the band. It looks like the stock has been on the rifle a long time and maybe even since it left British service. Ray

[rayg]

Stamped on the butt stock is III and apparently the original Canadian serial number #871 over a line and 1916 under the line. Ray