Not exactly a restoration - Ross MkIII

[BurtonP]

I saw a Ross Mk III sporter recently, and because it had a barrel band and a top handguard I thought it would make a good faux Ross carbine. The barrel is a bit shorter than that version at 24.5 inches, but it looks in proportion. I added a bit of length to the forestock. The join is visible, because I didn't want to cut the original stock back to the band. The rear sight that had been welded on was removed. Luckily I had in my spares the correct rear sight, so that was replaced. The front barrel band is the wrong type - I'm not even sure what it's originally from, but it works well, and doesn't look too wrong IMO. I fabricated the front sight cover, but couldn't find any machine bolts that fit. I've no idea what obsolete thread type they used. It's glued on for now until I find something that fits. The stock was colour matched with leather dye, and linseed oiled.

I've every expectation that it will be much handier at the range than the full length version in the comparison picture.
Cheers,
Burton P.

[browningautorifle]

Looks OK, lets see how it shoots now.

[Salt Flat]

I like that kind of project. You've saved it as much as is practical and still have money for other projects.

[BurtonP]

Looks OK, lets see how it shoots now.

I've not read how a Ross is supposed to be bedded for accuracy. Does it need upward pressure at the nose cap like Enfields or something else? I console myself that I'm unlikely to have made it worse than it was as a sporter, but truthfully I don't know.

[browningautorifle]

Does it need upward pressure at the nose cap

Don't know about that either. I've never had a really nice one to see. Last one I had was a sporter while I was posted to Wainwright back mid '80s. I shot it for a while and then sold it, then it went through everyone else there.

[Surpmil]

Better than it was! There's nothing but some work, time and refinishing between many of the doggy old sporters and their being very tidy and serviceable rifles again. Well worth the trouble; there's no plastic and not many stampings either...

There's a fellow in Canada making replacement front sight hoods; not sure if he's making the screws as well.

[BurtonP]

There's a fellow in Canadaicon making replacement front sight hoods; not sure if he's making the screws as well.

Yeah, I've tried to buy stuff from him a couple of times. He always has an excuse. . .

[oldfoneguy]

I think work of this type is a preservation as opposed to a restoration. Just maintaining what it originally was. Beautiful job.

[flying pig]

He does make the screws as well, when you buy a hood it comes with them.