1905 Ross MkII w/MkIII sight

[Surpmil]

Strange that a prize rifle from 1908 would be reamed out like that, unless an owner had it done, perhaps on hearing all the jazz about jams etc.

I think this is your man: Charles Douglas Bryden Palmer, born Galt, Ontario, Dec. 1, 1890. Father was born in USA and managed a saw making factory in Galt. Attended Upper Canada College 1907-1911, (Canada's Eton so to speak), lost a limb at some point, but no WWI Canadian records found, working for Canada Porcelain Co, Hamilton, Ont. in 1917. Emigrated to CA in 1923, perhaps to be near his sister who lived in LA. Had a niece who died about 1989.

smle_addict, I see on reading more that you've already covered it well!

Information

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[smle addict]

Surpmil: thank you for the additional info on Mr. Palmer. It really is a thrill to attach an owner to a firearm. I imagine Mr. Palmer would have had a hard time locating 303 British in 1920's-1940's Los Angeles, which could explain it's immaculate bore and condition. Whatever the reason, he stored this rifle very well, and it's a beauty.

Thanks to all for the additional info, interest, and comments.

[Bluenoser]

Strange that a prize rifle from 1908 would be reamed out like that, unless an owner had it done, perhaps on hearing all the jazz about jams etc.

Ross rifles do not have good primary extraction. As I understand it, the Mk II/1905 chambers were not reamed out. They were chambered with loose tolerances when built in order to aid primary extraction. The Mk II** are a different story. They are chambered to a tight tolerance. The Mk IIIs are the rifles that had their chambers enlarged as an after-thought.

[Surpmil]

Ross rifles do not have good primary extraction. As I understand it, the Mk II/1905 chambers were not reamed out. They were chambered with loose tolerances when built in order to aid primary extraction. The Mk II** are a different story. They are chambered to a tight tolerance. The Mk IIIs are the rifles that had their chambers enlarged as an after-thought.

I'll let those with larger Ross collections speak to that, but myself I don't remember seeing cases like that out of a commercial Ross before.

The info from the IODE is not clear on whether this was a one time prize rifle or not, but unless they gave more than one, it would seem more likely to have been a rifle awarded annually. When I was in school there were two Ross rifles with little silver shields all down their stocks commemorating those who had won them. (Not at UCC I hasten to add!) Perhaps Palmer won the prize several times and so was given the rifle to keep?

[smle addict]

Surpmil, you are correct regarding rifles being awarded annually. Here are a few excerpts from the voluminous archived notes:

"Indian Summer issue 1906 page 5
In view of the action of the Alexandra chapter of the Daughters of the Empire in presenting us annually with a Ross rifle for open competition, the appended account of proceedings at the D. R.A. annual meeting is interesting."

"Summer 1911 page 3
A most successful shooting competition for the Ross Rifle, donated by the Alexandra Chapter of the D.O.E., has just been completed. A much greater interest has been aroused this year than last, partly on account of the added second prize and partly on account of the change of the first prize. Formerly the rifle given was the regulation military-style; but owing to Mr. Auden's suggestion, it has been changed to a Ross Sporting Rifle. This change, as can be seen, has been greatly appreciated. The successful winner of the rifle this year is Private F. M. Jones, and of the second prize is Private J. R. Jones Both winners led throughout the competition and fully deserved the reward for their good marksmanship."

"A Ross rifle was presented yearly by the Alexandra Chapter of the Daughters of the Empire to the best shot in the Company. Targets were put up in the field behind the hospital and much more interest was taken in rifle-shooting. In 1910 the Lieutenant-Governor presented a prize of books for annual competition in rifle shooting."

There were many more references in regards of an annual rifle-prize, but these three were the most detailed in regards annual awards.