Ross MkIII restored

[flying pig]

Just finishing up restoring my Ross MkIII. I picked this one up last spring and have been gathering the few missing bits and pieces and trying to find time to build a new stock in some nice walnut ever since. The bore on this rifle is pristine, and the rest of the rifle isn't far behind. I'm contemplating rust bluing the swivel, butt plate, nose cap, hood and mid band just to bring it all up to the same beauty. I would also get rid of the electro penciled number on the mag and re blue it if I did this.

The stock turned out better than I expected. I decided to take a weekend off from the orders and build one for myself (I've been waiting longer than everyone else! Ha Ha). This is wood from the latest set of blanks I picked up in Calgary. Its fairly plain I believe because of the way they cut it, top and bottom surfaces show nice figure but the sides are quite plain. Anyway, anyone who has recently placed an order or received a stock from me, this is what it should come out like after staining and the first couple coats of oil.

It has come a long way!

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Information

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[mr.e moose]

Looks good Brandon. While the grain on the top and bottom looks nice the way the grain runs in your stock will make it less prone to splitting. Is that one of the repro nose caps or did you source a original? All in all a great job!

[flying pig]

I got really lucky and found an original.

This is the kind of knowledge I'm really lacking Mr E. I understood that certain cuts will produce a much prettier stock but I hadn't given much thought to it knocking strength out by turning it 90*. I can see that now though after you've mentioned it. This one kind of has a weird crook right in the wrist too, I'm sure it will be alright though it's half the size of my leg in the wrist ha ha.

[martins8589]

Very nice looking timber!

[Sentryduty]

Very nice restoration, it's difficult to find them with full length barrels, I know, I have been looking.

Eventually I'll get one like that, just a matter of patience. Great work!

[mr.e moose]

It all is how the grain flows for a good stock. If your blank was rotated 90% you would have short horizontal grain through the wrist. The way yours is, the grain runs vertical through and the wild grain adds strength. The only problem I could see is if your blank still has a high moisture content.

[martin08]

I remember this project from the start. It has come a long, long way.

If you ever find another rear sling swivel, I'm still looking!

[Kiwisteve]

That's a beautiful looking rifle, you have made a great job restoring it back to original configuration, it's a credit to you.
Will have to keep an eye out for a Ross myself, but they are bit harder to come by here in New Zealand.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

NICE rifle!

For those wondering about the intricacies of wood-working, and especially the "best cuts" for stock work, see here:

3 Reasons to Use Quarter Sawn Wood