I had this out to photograph for a friend.
I had this out to photograph for a friend.
Nice rifle. Did your friend get out and put some rounds through it yet?
That's a beauty; is there any provenance? There is a database of serial numbers and rifle features over at Welcome to Ross Rifle if you would care to add this to the list.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same.
Sorry for misunderstanding, the Mark II** is mine. The friend wanted the photos. I have not and will not fire it. I have fired my friend's target Ross and find the stock dimensions/shape to be quite punishing.
I find it interesting how they moved the front cap back about 4" on these. I'd think removing it all together would have been easier and still effective.
Regards, Jim
Actually it's the other way around; on the original MkII** they used a standard stock, and a barrel which was about 2" longer than standard.
To meet the rules it had to take a bayonet, so they are one with a 2" longer hilt.
Then they made a 2" long bar extension for a standard bayonet to lock into.
The 3rd variation used a longer stock so that a standard bayonet could be used and the geometry of the stock was the same as a standard service rifle.
Looks like the receiver has been tapped for the Ross milled sight base.
The first year the Cdn military team team took the MkII with the light barrel to Bisley they did poorly. The next year they returned with first MkII** with the heavy 30" barrel and short stock rifles. The heavy barrel was a close copy of the profile of the Long Lee barrel. The Brits complained it was not a service rifle since it did not take a bayonet. The Cdns replied it was a rifle in service with militia not divulging that it was only in service with the Bisley team. The next year the Cdn team arrived with the long bt lug model II**.
The II** was the rifle that established the Ross rifes reputation for accuracy.
Thank you for the loading information. Unfortunately I don't reload. The target Rosses tend to a very tight bore which adds to felt recoil along with an axe like butt profile driving into your shoulder. They were men in those days.