Ross Project Rifle

[browningautorifle]

I have to agree, $550 CDN plus shipping is nothing compared to the price of a cast off original early Ross stock. Otherwise you're going to have a sporter perpetually. They also have the metal parts you seek.

[Aragorn243]

Here's my issue with buying a new stock besides the price. I'll have to cut it at the muzzle end 1/2" because of the barrel setback which unless these were commonly done by the arsenal is going to ruin the stock for any future use on an unaltered firearm. Maybe it makes no difference, I don't know at this point but as I haven't seen another example of one with a barrel set back it is a concern. Is this particular rifle going to hold collector value or not as is with a set back barrel.

I have the wood working skills to make a fore end, so that's not an issue. I still need the front band but I've been told these are around and I'm patient.

Given all the alternatives, I'd love to plunk down $550 and be done with it but a lot going on right now here. I need more information before I can proceed with spending that much on a stock.

My general purposes for collecting these is I put on occasional presentations and I like having examples of the major types. Beat up as this is, it will suffice for now.

And I'm not saying I can't be talked into it. I know very little about Ross rifles. If this one will be worth the sum of it's parts including the stock in it's slightly altered state, I might be willing to get the new stock. And I suppose I could leave it full length and never put a bayonet on the rifle as another option.

So, all the above being said, what's the consensus on restoration and value. I'm not in it to sell it, but I don't want to take a bath on it either. Someday, someone, whether it is me, my wife, or my kids will have to dispose of this and I'd rather I or they get a fair return rather than a loss.

[browningautorifle]

I'll have to cut it at the muzzle end 1/2" because of the barrel setback

I missed that part, yes, that's a definite drawback and problem. It would be neat and not unlike the Krag I bought and created a school gun from. It too had been cut back so I put in the work and set up to take a bayonet too...lots of hand work.

[Bluenoser]

Having restored several Ross rifles, I must say that I would definitely NOT invest in the restoration of a rifle with a set-back barrel that is also in need of a stock. It is money you are highly unlikely to ever recoup. I would also not fire the rifle prior to looking at how that coarse 3 TPI left hand thread was addressed when the barrel was set back. Then again, I am super cautious when it comes to things like that.

[Snow Dog]

Reach out to the guys at RRR and see if they have encountered the set back barrels before. Perhaps they have some kind of work around figured out already - it never hurts to ask.

[Aragorn243]

Message sent to them, no reply as of yet.

[Aragorn243]

I got word back from RRR this morning. They have heard of these rifles before and advise using light cast loads with IMR-4198 or IMR-4227 powders but did not provide any grain information.

So now I have to decide whether to keep it, look for a barrel in addition to everything else, continue with my original plan and make it look like it should building on the original stock, or part it out.

Leaning towards original plan while watching for another barrel.

[Aragorn243]

Spring arrived and is installed so that is now working properly.

[Aragorn243]

I actually found a repro stock for $280.00 so I made the investment. I figure I'll keep my eyes open for a replacement barrel and just keep it looking like it should. Not going to cut the stock for the bayonet lug which I still need to find anyway.

I did some work on the stock to try and make it thicker and it just didn't work very well and I hate it. The glue was the big problem, it never set well enough to properly sand it.

[Aragorn243]

Stock came today and it really looks nice. Problem is, nothing fits in it. I have a LOT of hand work to do. It is correct but it is made slightly tight. The only thing not done on it is the hole in the butt stock, not looking forward to making that. I will most likely use the original hand guard as it has the pins and the new one doesn't plus the coloration matches so not a huge deal. Being original helps also.