Ross Project Rifle

[Aragorn243]

I've wanted one of these for years and found one today I couldn't pass up for the price, $249.00.

Of course I didn't have my manuals with me so I sat there in the store watching videos for half an hour, gave Mike a call and he talked me into it.

It appears to have an original Ross barrel on it but it doesn't seat right, almost like it was set back a half inch. Condition of the barrel bore is outstanding so no idea why they would do this. Length is 27 1/2" as measured with a rod against the bolt head. We guestimated it at 28" at the gunshop which is why I thought it was good. Index marks are good but the proofs are cut off. It also looks like the sights were moved forward a half inch on the barrel. The barrel has been removed, there are score marks on it. Stock looks like a standard sporterized cut down forearm. All parts are there except the small rear top hand guard, the front band, the sight hood and the cut off portion of the stock. the stock has been sanded to death and has a crack on one side most likely due to being so thin there.

I can't find any photos on the web but did find two rifles identified as US property that were listed as 27 1/2" barrels. I can't get the barrel to come off by hand. May try more over the weekend but pretty positive it is a Ross barrel, just can't see how they re-indexed it, it has a rather unique attachment system. It does have the rear sight that seems standard on the US rifles and it is in 303 or at least a 303 cartridge fits. Haven't decided what I want to do with it yet. As long as it's safe as is, I'll probably keep it, clean it up and watch for the next 10 years for a bayonet lug/front band and then carve a stock extension for it. Bore is bright with crisp rifling so it should at least be a good shooter.

Information

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[tiriaq]

The barrel threads are left hand. After a hundred odd years, it might be necessary to clamp the barrel and receiver as would normally be done to break the barrel loose. I'll have to check, but I recall a reference in The Ross Rifle Story to some barrels being set back.
Looks as if the stock could be spliced under the band to restore it to original appearance. Nosecaps can be had, and I believe repro handguards have been carved.

[usabaker]

Good looking rifle and great price!

[Surpmil]

The barrel was no doubt set back when the chamber was re-cut post-WWI. That was done to eliminate the grossly over-sized chamber that resulted from reaming out they were all given in the hopes that would reduce the problems caused by poor quality ammo, and let it be admitted, the less than optimal primary extraction inherent in the design.

[Aragorn243]

So this barrel set back is normal and nothing to worry about? I confirmed the position of the hand guard, you can see wear marks from the two positions of the barrel. That had me a bit concerned which is why I wanted to get the barrel off, to make sure some bubba didn't do it. Looks like a slow restore it will be. With the clues you suggested I was able to find other references which explain the extra holes, they are from the sight being moved after the set back. I suspected that.

I'll probably leave the barrel alone then, no need to take it out I started cleaning the metal late today. It's in pretty decent condition, some light rust here and there but not the pitting type. The stock is going to be more challenging. Considering the possibility of laminating wood on both sides of the receiver area as they sanded those areas pretty flat. The screws stick out an 8th inch and they should be set into the wood. Would that be possible? Need a good color match.

[Snow Dog]

Have a look here for stocks, handguards and bayonet lugs: Ross Rifle Restoration

[Aragorn243]

I have it torn apart for cleaning and stock repair. Primary crack is now fixed. Secondary small cracks are being clamped now. Metal is all cleaned, some finish loss and scratches here and there but no pitting. Not many markings on it. I am not going to try to remove the barrel now that I know what was done with it. As far as the stock goes, I'm going to attempt to find some matching wood and try laminating the two sides of the receiver and make an extension for the fore end and attempt to locate a bayonet lug front band. If I ever come across a better sporterized stock that hasn't been sanded to death or an actual stock that is affordably priced, I'll swap out the stock. I see the repro stocks and maybe someday I'll be willing to go that route but for now, it's a little much. I'll have to locate or make the small upper hand guard also.

[browningautorifle]

If I ever come across a better sporterized stock that hasn't been sanded to death or an actual stock that is affordably priced, I'll swap out the stock. I see the repro stocks and maybe someday I'll be willing to go that route but for now, it's a little much.

I can't see a cast off stock being cheap. A repro stock is at least a given, here's a place to start for all you speak of. Ross Rifle Restoration

[Aragorn243]

Already found that site Friday before I bought the rifle. $550 is way too much. If that's Canadian dollars, it's a little more worth considering but I wasn't able to figure that out. I decided before I bought it that wasn't going to be an option. For now, anyway. It would be nice and if I can't get this presentable any other way I may end up doing that.

In the meantime, I discovered the trigger spring is missing a turn. Actually was able to find this and it's on order. Safety wasn't working quite right, spring was too short to hold the sear high enough to lock the firing mechanism back every time.

[Snow Dog]

As per their web site - "All prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include shipping. " I think it would be worth getting a new stock. Unless you have a lot of woodworking experiece you'll be chasing your tail trying to fix years of damage, modifications and neglect. Start fresh - it'll be worth the expense in the long run, especially considering the going price of a decent example of these rifles nowadays.