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I have been after a Ross for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, the ones I have run across have either been sporterized, or priced astronomically. Today I found one that was neither of the above. It's a Ross M1905, apparently made in 1910. No US markings on it at all. I know my Enfields, but this is my first Ross, and I'm thrilled to have it. Anything you guys can tell me about it would be much appreciated!
There ARE markings, they're on the butt. There will be someone else along to convert them to words shortly. I can't see them too well...there's nothing I see that I recognize. Nice old rifle though...
Yeah, those..I was saying there are no US markings on it. Flaming bomb and all that.
Congrats on your find.
I can't make out some of the butt stock markings; you might want to have a look under black light and write down what you see.
Too bad the rear handguard is missing as that would pretty much nail it down as a MkII***** ("II 5*"), or not. The Sutherland backsight suggests Mk.II 5*, although the date is maybe a little early for one. There is a "5" after the "II", but it looks like there might be a "1" in front, so am not sure about that.
The foresight hood has been reversed at some point.
Backsight has taken a hit as you probably know.
How is the bore and what are your plans for her? If the bore is very nice it might be worth cleaning her up enough to shoot.
Here's a complete 5*
OK, no US markings. That's not unusual. Perhaps more preferable to you though, they're around too. Mostly in collections now I think.
It's pretty unusual to see a Ross '05 without US markings here...in fact I've never seen one at all. As far as the markings on the butt go, I see one that is 'CC'...Cadet Corps? Also, the 5 next to the II, what exactly does that signify? I see no stars next to it either.
You could be right about the "CC", but "2CC" is not one I know.Quote:
Originally Posted by Anzac15
The stars were added as the modifications were added. Ross and the Small Arms Committee were continually coming up with improvements and these kept being added to the production, which could be seen as a determination to produce the best possible version of the rifle, or as a lack of adequate development and trials - depending on your point of view! It was a time when there were a lot of rapid developments in rifles and sights.
Gotcha. Like I said, Im new to the Ross rifle, and Ive kind of become infatuated with them.
Im guessing that the M1905 never saw front line service in the Great War? Only the M1910/MkIII?
I believe that's right.Quote:
Originally Posted by Anzac15
Here are a few more pics....I'm probably making something out of nothing, but I've put a loop to this stock, and I can't see any star of any kind next to the 5. Don't know if that's unusual or not. Also, looks like something was nailed to the left side of the butt at one time.
It's generally said that the MkII variants never got to France, but here is one that did: used by Henry Norwest
Notice the two holes on the receiver ring and the rectangular slot in the handguard: a typical CEF mounting for the Winchester A5. When this rifle was retired the scope and bases were probably fitted to his next rifle by the battalion armourer. The museum that has this one is said to have the three rifles he used successively. The last is a MkIII Ross, but the first one I have no info on. Probably another MkII of some type. That might sound odd, but he was a very well known character in the Corps by the time he died.
I doubt that the sight shown fitted to the rifle would have been there when the scope was fitted: no clearance. The base howevever would have been fitted from new since there is no other provision for a backsight.
The barrel on this variant is very similar to the barrel on the MkIII, much heavier than your rifle has. These were a formidable match rifle as records of the time attest; as do some more recent user reports. ;)
WOW.
Thanks very much for this info..
That would make sense, he'd have built it and shot it so this is the one he's taking. A sniper with one wouldn't have short dicked the higher ech.Quote:
Originally Posted by Surpmil