New Ross: A Mk II 5*

I wandered into a local gun shop a few months back and spotted a Ross Mk II. It was missing the rear handguard, front sight protector, and had an incorrect rear sight installed. The rifle reeked of cigarette smoke and was sticky to the touch with cigarette tar. It was on consignment from an estate, and they were asking $1500. I knew had some long stored-away Ross parts in my parts box. When I got home, I looked in my "Ross Rifle" book and confirmed it was a Mk II 5*. It was most likely a civilian version, as there is no serial number anywhere, and it is free of any ownership marks (no Canadian or US). A quick parts inventory revealed I had the correct Sutherland sight and a front sight protector as well.

I went back a weeks ago and haggled a bit on the price. I got it for $1300. I picked it up a few days ago, and on the way home, it stunk my truck up with the smell of cigarette smoke/nicotine/tar. I disassembled the rifle and set about doing a sympathetic cleaning. This poor rifle was FILTHY. I used a warm water solution with Dawn dish-soap, simple green and a kitchen sponge. Had to change the bucket water three times. Check out the black water in the pics!

After drying, I did a rub down with mineral spirits, then applied several coast of RLO. The stock is permanently stained, but at least the grain is visible again. Even the metal had a yellow film covering its surface. A quick clean revealed at least the faintest remnants of color-case hardening. The incorrect rear sight was installed with two small pins; one on either side (I assume a previous owner broke the pin, and just installed it however they could). I have the protector screws and handguard on order from Canada, but for now, two lee enfield screws cut to length are securing the hood to the base. Sutherland sight replaced. Everything greased and oiled, and the action is a smooth as butter. Bore is immaculate too.

Hope you all enjoy the pics