Need some help on a Ross Model 1905

[prez1981]

Just received a Ross Model 1905 from an online auction and have some questions to determine if I need to return it. The rifle isn't quite as described and is missing a few more parts than was advertised (nothing to worry about). That being said, it looks like a very nice rifle with an excellent bore, VG finish on metal, and strong stock cartouches.

My questions:
There is a hole drilled (and looks threaded) in the barrel just to the rear of the rear sight. This hole looks to go at least half way into the barrel (maybe a little more). Is this anything to worry about or something normal (like the rear sight was updated)? The rear sight appears to be the standard rear sight found on II***'s (it is a US proofed Ross). I have seen a hole like this on another Ross but didn't know if it was normal or not.

There are two smaller holes on the bottom of the barrel just ahead of and behind the rear sight. These are much shallower (1/16th to 1/8 of an inch deep). Are these normal or an indication of someone messing around?

There appears to be a screw missing on the side of the bottom of the receiver. Is this screw easily replaced?

I'll try to take some pictures and post them here. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

Information

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[Badger]

Pics would be helpful ...

In the interim, have you checked the MKL under Canada?

There's a 1905 Ross there complete with a 96 pic photo montage and lots of close-ups…

1905 Mk II***** (5 star) Ross Rifle (click here)

Does that help?

Regards,
Doug

[prez1981]

Looks like it is the barrel locking screw that I'm missing. Does anyone know where I can find a spare? I'll need a rear sling swivel, front band screw, and rear rear sight base screw. Thanks. John
Ps-holes are all about 1/8 inch deep.

[prez1981]

Here are a few pictures. One picture shows the two small holes drilled into the bottom of the barrel (about 1/8 inch deep each). One picture shows the larger hole drilled into the barrel behind the rear sight (between 1/8 and 3/16 inch deep). One picture shows the bottom of the receiver. The screw for the top hole is missing (believe this is the barrel lock screw).

Are those holes legitimate or later additions? Do they affect the shootability of the rifle?

How difficult would it be to find a replacement barrel lock screw?

[prez1981]

Think I figured out the hole in the top of the barrel. I removed the rear sight base and found several more holes. When the rear sight base is moved back to line up with the hole in question, the front screw hole lines up with another hole that was hidden under the base.

The holes on the bottom of the barrel are actually threaded and perfectly accept the front rear sight screw.

Still a little worried about the missing barrel locking screw.

Also, the serial number on the stock is 429AA. The rear sling swivel is different than most I have seen and is a flat style with a single screw.

[Ax.303]

Looks like the barrel on your rifle has been set back. This was commonly done to rifles that the US bought from Canada so that the chamber could be recut. It seems some of these were hogged out overly large to accept crap ammo.
The sights were remounted in a new location to accommodate this, leaving unused holes in the barrel. When you find a barrel locking screw you should be good to go.

[Badger]

There's a gunsmith up here in Canada who works for Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods (click here).

He's also a collector of Ross rifles and I got a rear Ross sight from him once that he mounted on one of my Ross rifles, so perhaps he has parts you could order? I can't remember his name but if you call them and ask for the employee who collects Ross rifles and also fixes them, I'm sure you can get to him as it's a small store.

Hope that helps....

Regards,
Doug

[buffdog]

This is an early 1905 Ross Military Mark II rifle. The AA in the serial number is the indicator. I have a parts gun with an AB serial number, and the barrel has the holes in the same location. However, it also looks like someone used a pipe wrench to try to remove the barrel. Ross 1905 barrels have a LEFT hand thread, and many Bubbas and their Apprentices do not know this, so they try to take off a Ross barrel by moving it to the right, which tightens it up.

It also looks like someone has taken a hacksaw to the bottom part of the rear sight band, and appears to be split. Mine goes all the way around the barrel.

Do not attempt to turn the slotted "screw" on the bottom flat of the receiver. It is not a screw, but is the angled cam that makes the bolt head turn when the bolt is closed. If you turn it out of line, you will jam the bolt.

A good barrel is a bonus. Here in Canada, lots of these rifles were used for training with Mark VI ammunition (corrosive) and the barrels are pretty well shot out on many of them.

Also, it appears that you have a Pilblad rear adjustable sight. (Elevation wheel at top on left side as viewed from back.) This is a sight designed for Mark VII ammunition, so that is good.
.

[smellie]

As to scews in a Ross, with the exception of that more-than-slightly-insane barrel thread on the majority of 1905-model rifles, threads were US standard 60-degree V threads. Any machine shop can duplicate them in their sleep.

Nice find, friend!

[37patt]

The gunsmith at Epps is Doug Reid. Used to work with him and he is a very good man. They have a fairly good selection of Ross parts at the store and he may be able to find what you need. Best of luck.