Ross MkII Barrel Question

I just purchased what appears to be a full military U.S. marked Ross MkII 3*. It was filthy and a little rusty, so I took it apart to clean it up and noticed that there were two non-threaded holes about 1/8" deep on a 3-inch center below the rear sight. I've read that barrels were sometimes set back on these, but this doesn't seem to be the case. The barrel is 28-inches long from muzzle to bolt face. The spacing on the holes also seems long for any sights I've seen. Can anyone comment on what's going on here, and should the piece be safe to fire? Bore and chamber look perfect. Thanks.

Attachment 109931

Your Ross was initially built as a Mk II 4* with a Ross Mk III rear sight. Those two holes are mounting points for that sight. That rear sight was rejected by the military and Ross replaced it with a Sutherland sight and the rifle was issued as a 3*. Your butt markings might show a 3* above a 4*. Please post a pic of the markings on the right face of the butt.

Interesting! I'll get a photo of the butt ASAP. Since the holes are on the bottom of the barrel, does that mean that this was one that was set back? The large chamber end of the barrel seems to be normal length. I've seen photos on the net where this was half the length of mine. If you'd like any additional photos, let me know. Thanks

Photo of the right side of the buttstock is attached. Lot of information there, but no 4.

Attachment 109934

The rear sight would have been replaced prior to the rifle leaving the factory. If my assessment is correct, the forearm should have notches along the upper edge at the rear sight and the tails of the forward hand guard should extend down into the notches. The Ross Mk III rear sight is a rather bulky affair.

These must be the notches you're talking about. Glad to know that those holes aren't something someone did in their basement. It did strike me as odd that they weren't threaded. Looks like Ross rifles are pretty complicated. Thanks again.

Attachment 109946

Those are the notches. Your furniture appears to be in very nice condition. Sir Charles was constantly tweaking his rifles.