possibly traded for a 1903 Ross, help identifying?

[flying pig]

Smellie, full range report on its way as soon as I get a handle on that back sight issue, dust cover screw and ejector spring. Once the planets align it will be headed out with a variety of loads. Was thinking I'd try Sierra 174 match kings and maybe pro hunter 180s. Do the Rosses perefer flat based bullets too? Should I load light or just do a normal ladder test? Can't wait to see what this old beauty will do, lot better than its young shooter I bet! It hasn't had any exercise in at least a half century, I think it deserves it.

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[boltaction]

What you have is a 1903 Mk I*--someone provided the link to the photos of my 1903, which is the Mk I, first issue, with the ridiculously long and badly calibrated rear sight. That model was rapidly replaced with the Mk I*, which has the rearsight yours does, but retains the other features of the Model 1903--a heavy , shrouded bolt (which yours looks to have) which is rather hard to close gently--requires a fairly good shove to close. It also has a flat topped bolt release button, and the button type magazine cut-off switch. Yours should also have the knurled cocking piece, which is rather difficult to grab onto. I don't know if the markings on the left side of the receiver of your rifle are visible or not--you don't show them in the photos. However, they should say 1903. Your buttstock markings should also be much simpler than the later models.

The 1903 model was replaced with the 1905, but 1903's were made through 1905 and if I recall correctly into 1906, so a barrel date of 1905 on yours does not mean it is a model 1905. The 1905 is the one we more commonly run into now, with the solid bolt head, no bolt shroud, easier to close bolt, slightly rounded and ridged bolt release button, magazine cutoff removed and replaced with the Harris depressor lever system, etc, but the first 1905's maintained that rearsight which is on your rifle.

You seem to have made a damn good trade for an SKS! You have a rare rifle. Bubba did indeed take off the forewood, but that can be replaced. The barrel bands will be somewhat challenging to find, but not impossible.

Enjoy!

Ed

[M94/14]

These rifles were regulated to the Mk VI round that used the 215gr roundnose bullet at about 2050fps. I've used factory 174's and the Sierra 180's and they shoot fine. They print a lot lower on the target though. Mine was 3 feet low at 200m on the 200yd setting. I had to build a new front sight for my 1905 that is not much more than a dimple sticking up in order to shoot to the sights at 200. The sight picture is horrible though, so I want to try some hard cast 215gr roundnose with 30cal gas checks. They should be able to make 2050fps without leading.
Sadly, I won't be able to attend the Ross Rifle Shoot in Calgary and see all the wonderfull rifles and share tall tales with the owners. This workin' for the man thing keeps getting in the way...

Smellie, full range report on its way as soon as I get a handle on that back sight issue, dust cover screw and ejector spring. Once the planets align it will be headed out with a variety of loads. Was thinking I'd try Sierra 174 match kings and maybe pro hunter 180s. Do the Rosses perefer flat based bullets too? Should I load light or just do a normal ladder test? Can't wait to see what this old beauty will do, lot better than its young shooter I bet! It hasn't had any exercise in at least a half century, I think it deserves it.