Overall it appears to be an M10 .280, even to the barrel profile, but clearly those markings on the barrel don't fit that hypothesis.
Is there a serial number on the barrel just above the stock line and just ahead of the reciever (offhand side)?
At a guess I'd say you may have a .280 that was later converted to .303 using a re-profiled and shortened Mk.III .303 barrel.
Trouble is, you don't have a .303 magazine there - or at least not the factory one - what does the feed ramp look like?
What type of butt plate does it have?
The stock is either a copy of an M10 stock, or someone has crudely recut the chequering. I expect it is the real thing, but it looks like a Mk.III butt plate might be fitted?
It has obviously been together for a long time, and it is known that a few Quebec City gunsmiths assembled Rosses from leftover parts into the 1930s even, so that is another option.
Last edited by Surpmil; 05-19-2022 at 11:23 PM.
“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.”
Commercial stocks, at least on the 1905s, have the serial number stamped under the butt plate and, as I recall, the serial number is also on the inside face of the butt plate.
Will check for serial number. Don't think there is one from memory. Buttplate is M10, Checkered steel with spur on top. Stock has two lightening holes drilled under buttplate and is marked M10 in ink under buttplate. Has the M10 mag and floorplate. Magazine is blocked internally at rear to accomodate shorter 303 round. I'm thinking a made up job but done by someone who knew a thing or two about Ross rifles. Contour of barrel is identical to the .280 which would involve a fair amount of lathe work. Anyway no one else will have one just like it at deer camp. Something to be said for that if you are a rifle nut like me. In the process of redoing the whole thing. Sourcing a long tube Weaver K to suit wide spacing of rings and for a more period look. Will post pics as it evolves if anyone is interested. Thanks for the input, Mike
Commercial stocks, at least on the 1905s, have the serial number stamped under the butt plate and, as I recall, the serial number is also on the inside face of the butt plate.
The last two digits of the serial number for the M-10 is stamped in the wood in the barrel channel and on the butt plate.
Does it have a concave/half round groove in one side?
If so, that also suggests a made-up piece as those bases were made to accept Gallilean sights as seen on the .280 back position target rifles.
“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.”
No foresight present. Some moron filed a 3/8 dovetail for a front sight probably leaving about .050 barrel wall thickness to the bore. Barrel is too light for that , the reason they were made with a banded front sight in the first place. I have to cut 1.5 inches off barrel and recrown. I am pretty certain someone had an M model in .280 and decided to rebarrel in .303 due to ammunition availability.
If you look at the feed ramp, it will give you a better idea of whether it is a Mk III action or M-10 .280 action.
If there is a notch cut in it was from a rifle meant to be fed from the protruding .303 magazine.
If the action was originally from a M-10 280 there will be no notch cut.
Does this rifle have a two or three position bolt stop?
The 280 rifle would normally have a two position bolt stop, as opposed to the three position found on the Mk III.
Been a few weeks. Barrel shortened about 1.25 inches and recrowned. There is no notch cut in feed ramp. two position bolt release. Stock stripped, sanded(lightly) and received about 12 coats of tung oil. Got a 45 weaver base which is very close for contour on receiver ring. Put a 48 weaver base on rear bridge, mount way too high for front so milled rear base down little by little until straight edge showed same elevation as front base. Rifle already drilled and tapped for weaver bases so nothing lost. Got to fill rear dovetail some donkey added and file/ emery down to original contour.
Found an old weaver K4 in excellent shape(need a long scope tube for ring spacing) will mount in weaver grand slams(medium).
When mounted will post pics. Bore is excellent so should shoot well.
PM
Originally Posted by mike webb
