New Guy sad revelation

Hey everyone, my first post but I have sad news to report. I purchased 3 MKII 3* rifles last weekend. I took one apart and started cleaning it. It should clean up nice and yes it is a US proofed rifle. However, tonight I took another one apart that was complete. Got the action and barrel out of the stock, but low and behold, there were three holes drilled into the barrel. Two on the bottom and one on the top under the top handguard. Why would anyone do that? I think basically it is a parts gun now. Pics to follow! My last rifle I’ll take apart this week to see what I’ve got.

Glad you went ahead and took them apart! It's always a good idea to inspect new-to-you firearms. There're some real horror stories out there.

On the bright side, I guess I’ll have some parts to sell.....it doesn’t look like the holes go all the way through the barrel, but I don’t think it’s safe to fire

The holes location is important if they are drilled into the reinforce under neath then the action is screwed if they are not through it and just the barrel then a new barrel will cure the malady it has and I would not be selling the parts if you go that way just have a look around at what things are going for especially the complete stock set for either a MKIII or a No.4's best keep it things do happen and if a piece does break it will be the bit you just sold!

They are worth saving they are very unique and have a history that few other fire arms or weapons system can match historically as they have literally been to timbucktoo and back again in world conflicts and are still being used by some combatants though not on our side I may add.

IF they are only to the chamber you could repair that. Tough job, but possible.

Sharpshooter,
Wasn't that declared to you on purchase, or was it an adhoc purchase of 3 rifles sold as seen perhaps?

I’m going to take the rifle to my solvent tank and clean everything really well this weekend. I’ll use a depth gauge to figure out how deep the holes go. The pics also show what looks to be vice teeth marks on the bottom of the rifle. Very curious. All three holes are on the barrel. The receiver looks great which just breaks my heart! No, the seller did not know about the barrel, he is a buddy and passed them onto me without disassembling them. Point to future me, inspect .... I’m using my iPhone, I’ll post pictures this weekend. One last thing, if anyone can make a new barrel, send a PM.

Like Cinders states the no2 mk3 are getting hard to find. would be worth getting them checked buy a knowledgeable gunsmith. Them fitting a new or good used barrel.

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Originally Posted by Sharpshooter1944

Hey everyone, my first post but I have sad news to report. I purchased 3 MKII 3* rifles last weekend. I took one apart and started cleaning it. It should clean up nice and yes it is a US proofed rifle. However, tonight I took another one apart that was complete. Got the action and barrel out of the stock, but low and behold, there were three holes drilled into the barrel. Two on the bottom and one on the top under the top handguard. Why would anyone do that? I think basically it is a parts gun now. Pics to follow! My last rifle I’ll take apart this week to see what I’ve got.

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If I weren't living on the other side of the border, I'd be lining up to buy that off you. Don't be too hasty to break it up for spares. It has potential.

Just was informed that the rifle was likely a MKII 4or5 * that was converted to 3* for the US Amy. Also those are holes for a different rear sight and there was issues with head space. I’ll post pics momentarily

There are barrels that are made by lothar walther and criterion think even Pac-Nor as well not sure on the latter though, some are chambered and timed, not sure the army would use stilsons as thats what those marks imply to me.:bitch:
The barrels here available at T-Bonesmith in Sydney anyway there will be a supplier of new barrels for the MkIII & 4 in the US for sure, one last thing give it a good look over and make sure there is no DP or the "Z" stamped anywhere on it.

The conversion was done at the Ross factory. The rifle was initially built as a Mk II 4* (not 5*) with a Mk III Ross rear sight. That rear sight was rejected by the military. Consequently, Ross replaced the rear sight and sight base with a Sutherland Mk II H-type rear sight and issued the gun as a Mk II 3*. The Mk II 3*, which preceded the 4*, is fitted with a Sutherland Mk II H-type rear sight. Everything appears legit. The holes you found appear to be those originally used to secure the Ross Mk III sight base. I would strongly advise against parting out or tampering with the rifle.

If it’s shootable, I’ll keep it. I really only keep shooters. So if it is unsafe to shoot as is, I’ll get a new replacement barrel.

Got all 3 Ross Rifles apart, looks like they were originally another MKII variant. They are all now MKII 3 star. All bores and chambers look amazing! Feeling lot better about my purchase! Now I have lots of cleaning to do.

The history of the rifle should be stamped on the right-side face of the butt, Ross logo, model, serial number, date of manufacture and service history. You will likely see a cancelled (struck out) **** and, likely under or above it, ***. That would confirm the model history. To the best of my knowledge, the 4* was the only model converted to 3*.

Different stock, some serial numbers on rifle parts. The one rifle has been sanded, hard to make out anything.

The barrel on your rifle has been set back. They did this on some rifles to clean up the chamber.

The sights would have been relocated when this was done.

Good catch - I missed that. That explains the top-side hole in the barrel behind the sight base. Setting a Mk II barrel (Mk II** excepted) back is a real chore due to the 3 TPI left hand thread. The three TPI explains why it was set back so far.