Ross 1905 MK ll

[Olddust]

Two photos on the left. No barrel mounted rear sights, sights mounted on rear bridge. Late production Mk. II** rifles. I wonder if they kept these because they appreciated their shooting potential.

This is a great question and I think you are on the right track.. I have been in contact with the 48th highlanders museum, Looking for information, and received this response
“In the UK the 15th Battalion was the last of the 1st Contingent battalions to give up their Ross Mk II rifles for the 1910 MkIII rifles. Apparently this was because Lt Col Currie, who fancied himself as a marksmanship expert, wanted to retain the MkII because he viewed it as a more accurate rifle than the mkIII”
So this gives weight to your thoughts.
The Governments account states that the 15th was the only unit to take the mkII. Owing to insufficient production at the factory of the mkIII. See page 25 of this publication.

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/th...tionary-en.pdf