Well, it took ten years of searching, and only a few seconds of weakness to bid enough for the win. But my desire is entirely satisfied with a fine 1905 Ross MKII 3*.
The Ross Rifles from Quebec, Canada were well renowned for power and accuracy afield. But their reputation diminished quickly during WWI. The straight pull, rotating bolt design with tight tolerances was not suited for the environment of trench warfare, and many would jam the bolts shut with dirt, or fail to eject spent cases. Some received a chamber reaming in an attempt to relieve the issues, but by mid-1916, the Canadian Military relegated the Ross to limited sniper operation and opted for the more reliable Lee Enfield SMLE on the battle lines.
In 1917, the US Government was short on available arms, and purchased 20,000 Ross MkII rifles for training needs. Ten thousand were sent to the New York State Guard, and 5,000 each went to guard units in Massachusetts and Ohio. The guns were marked on the underside of the stock wrist with a Flaming Bomb, US, and the serial number. Bayonets were marked on the wooden grip, accordingly. The rifles were fitted with Kerr slings.
Following Guard service, the rifles were offered through the DCM to NRA members in 1926, but even at $3.50 per unit, sales were not brisk and unsold inventories were sent back to Canada. A large percentage of those which were still in the US were converted to target and sporting arms. Those which remain in military configuration today have become scarce items to procure for collectors.
I've passed on a couple of sportered MKII's, as stocks and other parts are not easily obtained. So I was determined not to lose the only full stocked example I've seen.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.
The Ross Rifles from Quebec, Canada were well renowned for power and accuracy afield. But their reputation diminished quickly during WWI. The straight pull, rotating bolt design with tight tolerances was not suited for the environment of trench warfare, and many would jam the bolts shut with dirt, or fail to eject spent cases. Some received a chamber reaming in an attempt to relieve the issues, but by mid-1916, the Canadian Military relegated the Ross to limited sniper operation and opted for the more reliable Lee Enfield SMLE on the battle lines.
In 1917, the US Government was short on available arms, and purchased 20,000 Ross MkII rifles for training needs. Ten thousand were sent to the New York State Guard, and 5,000 each went to guard units in Massachusetts and Ohio. The guns were marked on the underside of the stock wrist with a Flaming Bomb, US, and the serial number. Bayonets were marked on the wooden grip, accordingly. The rifles were fitted with Kerr slings.
Following Guard service, the rifles were offered through the DCM to NRA members in 1926, but even at $3.50 per unit, sales were not brisk and unsold inventories were sent back to Canada. A large percentage of those which were still in the US were converted to target and sporting arms. Those which remain in military configuration today have become scarce items to procure for collectors.
I've passed on a couple of sportered MKII's, as stocks and other parts are not easily obtained. So I was determined not to lose the only full stocked example I've seen.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.
