Early delux Ross Commercial Rifle?

[vykkagur]

The real tragedy here is that whatever moron removed the barrel (any barrel that doesn't have the side blown out of it can be restored in some form) has destroyed some history in the process. Looking at the engraving, and taking into account the time of manufacture and other markings, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the missing barrel didn't bear the name of Charles Lancaster of London. Lancaster was the official British agent for Ross in the early days and licensed to build rifles using Ross actions, many of which were stamped with the New Haven logo. This probably started life as a .370 Nitro Express English-built sporting rifle, possibly for an African hunt. And I still envy you.

[Jim_ish]

Yep, too bad the original barrel is gone. The fellow I got this from purchased it at a local auction (along with a few others) about 20-25 years ago and then it just sat in his safe till a week or so ago when I came along.

Thanks for this input, makes it more fun!

Jim

[NORTHOF60]

Jim_ish

Just for your information: the .375 Flanged Nitro Express 2 1/2 in. and the .370 Flanged Nitro Express are the same cartridge. The former (and more common) is loaded with a 270 gr. bullet at a nominal pressure of 14 tons. The latter is loaded with a 320 gr. bullet at a nominal pressure of 17 tons. Also known at the 9.5x63mmR (9.4x63mmR). The 270 gr. load, manufacture by Kynoch, is still available - but prohibitively expensive.

You have a conundrum. I don't know how much you are into for the rifle, but you will have to decide to either to cut your losses and sell (hopefully, not at a loss), or build yourself a very nice personal rifle. Its unfortunate you can't get the original barrel. If your were to re-barrel, you might want to consider the .405 Winchester, 16.5 tons nominal pressure, and cartridges and brass cheaper and more readily available. Also, contemporary to the rifle. .303 British, .370 Flanged Nitro Express and .405 Winchester all have the same nominal dimensions. Don't even consider the .280 Ross. 28 tons nominal pressure.

Cheers

[CINDERS]

I have Pritchards book Sniping in France interesting times the Brits certainly learned a hard yards catch up game.

If you rebarrel the Ross selection of a barrel might align with your type of shooting and the availability of cases the N.E stuff even modern BB stuff can set you back a pretty penny per case but that is a very nice rifle sir, a keeper if it were in my gunsafe as once you have sold it its gone and the chances of finding another well get a shovel and start looking for rocking horse do-do's that would be easier..........

[vykkagur]

I'm with NORTHOF60. I'm all for rebarrelling and rebuilding this in it's original glory. The .280 is not an option; there's a reason the 1910 has a huge chamber. I'd prefer something faster than the .405, but it is original - and who could argue with Teddy Roosevelt?

[Surpmil]

Ask the fellow you bought it from what he remembers about the auction: were there parts as well? Find the auctioneer if you can and ask, with photos in hand. Some people have amazing memories, some do not.

The barrel was probably in the same house the rifle was before it went to auction. Bubba probably thought, "I'll jus' try this 'ere .303 barrel on 'er..." "I can always put the other one back..." And then Bubba's obese form drops dead with TV dinner in hand one day and Mrs. Bubba sends his stuff to the local auction with a sigh of relief, where maybe the auctioneer knows what a rifle barrel is, or maybe not, and no one can be bothered to sort through Bubba's stuff and put like with like because they've got some repo'd cars to auction right after them guns 'n all.

If you're in a small town, ask, ask, ask, and your may find that barrel yet. It's worth the trouble.

[browningautorifle]

the pressure spike from the bullets loaded backwards was certainly a cause for alarm - approaching or exceeding proof loads.

Very interesting info, didn't hear that before...

[Surpmil]

Wouldn't be a cause for any concern in a Ross MkIII. People have filled the barrels with pebbles and sand, filled a case with pistol powder and still not blown one up.

This Sgt. Carey was apparently taking no chances with soft catridge cases sticking in the chamber and "emptied his oil bottle into the breach" before a rapid fire incident.

Oiled cases have little or no cylinder wall adhesion, enormously increasing thrust on the bolt. With normal case adhesion there is very little backwards thrust on the bolt, according to experiments done at RSAF Enfield.