Ross Target Rifle Sights

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03-29-2020, 11:54 PM
Sharps45-70

Ross Target Rifle Sights

Hey everyone, I am building a target rifle in 6.5-303 off of a Ross commercial M-10. It is receiving a new heavier barrel, new stock, etc. I would like to make it as close to period-correct as possible, so I am looking for the correct target sights for the rear. I have been looking continuously online for quite some time with no avail. If anyone has a line on one of the following, let me know! Keep in mind they have to be in usable condition so preferably, not too loose.

Parker Hale 9G
Sutherland MkII
Pilblad (any)
BSA Martin
Canada Tool & Specialty Co. (any)
Peddie Parker
Lyman 48 Longslide (150 point) right side

Additionally, for those who have used more than one type, which do you prefer and why?

Thanks for any leads you all can provide!
03-30-2020, 12:00 AM
Surpmil

Are you using a charger bridge sight mount?
03-30-2020, 12:02 AM
Sharps45-70

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surpmil

Are you using a charger bridge sight mount?

No, I do not have a sight mount. If I cannot find a period mount, I can fabricate a simple spring mount that attaches to the receiver bridge easily to fir whatever sight I purchase.
03-30-2020, 12:14 AM
Surpmil

5 Attachment(s)

When you say "a commercial M10" do you mean a 1910-E or 1910-R sporter? I believe every 1910 action is drilled and tapped for the standard sight/charger bridge, so if you can find one that should allow quite a few different vintage sights to be mounted.

If the action is from a M10 .280" then some sort of base could be machined to fit into the female dovetail on the bridge.

I guess you could also make up a partial bridge base to fit in the top groove of the bolt stop "frame" as well and attach with the two screw holes provided there?
03-30-2020, 01:52 PM
Sharps45-70

I mean an M10 in 280. I have two that both have quite poor bores. I will be machining a dovetail to fit. I am open to quite a few vintage sights from the period, but not many have enough elevation to reach past 1200 meters, that is why I am interested in the specific options mentioned. Very quickly it became evident that the hardest part of this project would be finding a correct target sight! Still no luck :(
03-31-2020, 03:05 AM
Surpmil

I wonder if one of the older Lyman 48s with the long "tail" would work? They came in both LH and RH versions I believe, but the factory Mk.III sight and bridge is still your best overall combination I think for looks, strength and function, not necessarily in that order.
03-31-2020, 11:56 AM
Sharps45-70

I agree. In period, Lyman produced the 48 "long slide" with the 150 point scale with a right hand slider for Ross 1910 pattern rifles. They also made a model 50 for calibrated for the 280 cartridge. 1905's and 1907's were left hand slide, 1910's right hand. If I could find a right hand 48 with the 150 point slider, it would provide the elevation I desire.

I do agree, I would prefer the bridge mounted vernier sights though :)

I found two auction listings for Parker 9G's, so I will see if I can get one of those. One of them even comes with a rifle!
03-31-2020, 02:01 PM
Ax.303

Most of the sights you mention will mount on a military MK III bridge.
03-31-2020, 02:54 PM
Sharps45-70

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ax.303

Most of the sights you mention will mount on a military MK III bridge.

I am not using a MkIII for the project. I am using a commercial M-10 which has a large female dovetail in place (see Surpmil's pictures above).
03-31-2020, 10:49 PM
Ax.303

The military Mk III bridge will fit in place of the bridge on your M-10 .280 rifle.

Way easier and more stable than what you are proposing.
04-01-2020, 11:59 AM
Sharps45-70

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ax.303

The military Mk III bridge will fit in place of the bridge on your M-10 .280 rifle.

Way easier and more stable than what you are proposing.

Ah yes, you are correct, my apologies for the misinterpretation.
04-01-2020, 04:43 PM
Surpmil

The trajectory of 6.5x55 is much lower than .303BR so the standard MkIII backsight should have more than enough vertical travel. They also have vernier graduations on the side as well as the .303 MkVII graduations on the rear face, so that would allow you to easily figure out and record you sight settings for different ranges.

The hard part might be finding one that isn't beat to hell.

The long "ladder" type target sights would work, but will be rather vulnerable to damage.
04-01-2020, 05:23 PM
Sharps45-70

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surpmil

The trajectory of 6.5x55 is much lower than .303BR so the standard MkIII backsight should have more than enough vertical travel. They also have vernier graduations on the side as well as the .303 MkVII graduations on the rear face, so that would allow you to easily figure out and record you sight settings for different ranges.

The hard part might be finding one that isn't beat to hell.

The long "ladder" type target sights would work, but will be rather vulnerable to damage.

Thanks for the note! While I agree the MkIII sight would have enough vertical travel, it is not a true vernier scale on the elevation, and the windage has only 5 MOA adjustment lines compared to the finer windage adjustments of the others, hence my search for the others.

Stay safe everyone!
04-01-2020, 08:58 PM
Ax.303

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharps45-70

Ah yes, you are correct, my apologies for the misinterpretation.

None needed.

I see Mk III bridges at Gun Shows from time to time. Two at the last show I was at. Too bad that`s not an option for a while.

The Ross Mk II (Canada Tool & Specialty Co.) are around occasionally.

Maybe try a want to buy here and CGN.
04-02-2020, 01:13 AM
Surpmil

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharps45-70

Thanks for the note! While I agree the MkIII sight would have enough vertical travel, it is not a true vernier scale on the elevation, and the windage has only 5 MOA adjustment lines compared to the finer windage adjustments of the others, hence my search for the others.

Stay safe everyone!

You are right that it is not a true vernier scale as it only has a single graduated line, unlike the windgauge which is a true vernier, but when fitted to the Mk.III rifle and firing .303 Mk.VII, each line on that side scale represented 2 MOA of elevation.

There are nine major lines with five subdivisions each, so a total of 90 minutes of angle. Each half rotation of the knurled knob raises the sights 10 MOA. (Just under 4.5 rotations)

Don't mind the nail in the photo, it's just for storage! ;)
04-02-2020, 08:35 AM
Bluenoser

If I am not mistaken, that is the more scarce Canada Tool (target) version with a 1/20" aperture.
04-02-2020, 08:43 AM
Badger

Here's a link to an 85 picture photo montage of the 1905 Ross Mk II** Civilian Target Rifle in my collection ...

1905 Ross Mk II** Civilian Target Rifle Serial # 4901 (click here)

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG(Click PIC to Enlarge)http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG(Click PIC to Enlarge)http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG

Regards,
Doug
04-02-2020, 02:32 PM
Surpmil

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

If I am not mistaken, that is the more scarce Canada Tool (target) version with a 1/20" aperture.

Correct and good observation. And the blue looks darker and dust much less visible when seen "in the flesh"!
08-06-2020, 01:21 PM
boltman

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Above is a Lyman 48 on an M-10
08-07-2020, 01:33 AM
Surpmil

You'd think the short leg 48 would have sufficed for a .280!
08-07-2020, 10:11 AM
boltman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surpmil

You'd think the short leg 48 would have sufficed for a .280!

Indeed - given the .280 was advertised to shoot point blank from 0 to 500 yards!
08-07-2020, 11:41 AM
Surpmil

Exactly! IIRC it was a 4" drop over 500 yards.