1905 Ross mk2

[M94/14]

I'd like some opinions on this particular rifle I'm looking at purchasing.

In the top view, and side view butt stock pic respectively, both the bolt (top of the bolt body flat by the safety) and the butt stock (ahead of the unit markings) shows "DP" or Drill Purpose markings. Would this rifle still be considered in shoot-able condition with these markings?
The seller claims the rifle to be in complete and excellent mechanical condition, with a very good bore.

Also, is their anything else about the 1905 Mk2 rifles I should be aware of?

I've owned an 1905 mk2** Ross target rifle in the past, but this military pattern rifle is a bit different and I'm unfamiliar with it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

















http://s1327.beta.photobucket.com/us...y/1905%20Ross?

Information

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[boltaction]

Good morning:
That is a fairly uncommon rifle, which appears to be in nice, original unmessed with condition. It is a 1905 Mk II 5*. Most of the Mk II military rifles one runs into are the 3*, most of which were sold into the US. The 5* are much more unusual, and it if very good to see one in such nice looking shape.

When these were declared obsolete, many were given to the Cadet Corps, which yours was as well--hence the final uncrossed out "CC" issue mark on the buttstock. DP does not necessarily mean it is unsafe to shoot. DP on a Lee-Enfield generally means that there is something wrong with it to make it unserviceable, but that doesn't seem to always apply to Rosses. What I would do is buy it (even if you don't shoot it, it's a great example in nice original condition). I would carefully inspect the bore, carefully remove the stock and look at the metal underneath (although the visible stuff looks good, no pitting) and have the rifle checked out by a gunsmith. A lot of the Mk II3* and some of the 5* had their chambers reamed out to deal with the issue of the differences between .303 British and .303 Ross, so the rifles do horrible things to the brass when you shoot them, but a lot of guys still shoot them. If the bolt functions well, the chamber and bore are in good condition, and the gun checks out, you should be fine to go.

Nice piece! I've been collecting Rosses on and off for about 25 years now, and have only come across two 5* in decent condition.

Ed

---------- Post added at 07:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 AM ----------

One other thing--if you've owned a 2*, you've owned the best of the 1905 family. The 3* and 5* have what many unkindly refer to as a "buggy whip" barrel--much lighter than the 2*. You will probably find it somewhat less accurate than your 2*, but they still shoot well.

Ed

[M94/14]

Thanks Ed

That really helps me out. It apparently came from a Movie company. I don't know if it ever made the silver screen, or had blanks fired through it, but the current owner said it has a nice bore with sharp rifling. That alone interests me.

[Richardwv]

DP only means that it was relegated to Drill Purpose and gives no indication as to condition, only that it was deemed better suited to drill duty to meet a given demand for such rifles, rather than for field military use. Whole classes of rifles were DP'd based on being obsolete, whether by functionality or by no longer being supported in the armory supply system. While it is true that many by that time are old and tired, it is equally true that some excellent gems can be found DP'd as well.

[M94/14]

Thanks again for the help guys, I have one more question.

What would be a realistic top level price for this particular example here in Canada?

[Tinman204]

I've seen examples such as this one go for $800-$1200 on the Canadian market. They don't come up for sale very often so it's a little hard to put a "value" on the gun. It's worth what someone will pay for it, I know a guy who payed $1000 for one just like this a few months ago and it needed a rear sight which luckily he found for I think $150. Although I haven't inspected the gun he bought it looks well used from pictures he's sent me.

I think Rosses are absolutely the most under valued guns on the market. I have a longbranch that was built by AG Parker and It is a fine target rifle and is valued around $800 give or take on a good day. My Ross will hold it's own against that rifle any day of the week but would be much harder to sell.

I'd trade my AG Parker longbranch for another Ross any day of the week which is considered crazy to most Enfield collectors.

I say buy that gun and shoot the hell out of it!! Then take it to the range and show all of the guys with new fancy plastic guns what's up!!!

Very nice find, hope it works out for you!!