SOLD - Rare Canadian Ross Mk II Rifle - U.S. Marked (7399 - 19132)

Description

3/16/22 - This is a rare and interesting Ross Mk.II rifle, also referred to as the 1905. From Wikipedia: "The Ross rifle is a straight-pull bolt action .303 inch-calibre rifle that was produced in Canada from 1903 until 1918. The Ross Mk.II (or "model 1905") rifle was highly successful in target shooting before World War I, but the close chamber tolerances, lack of primary extraction and length made the Mk.III (or "1910") Ross rifle unsuitable for the conditions of trench warfare, exacerbated by the often poor quality ammunition issued. By 1916, the rifle had been withdrawn from front line service but continued to be used by many snipers of the Canadian Expeditionary Force until the end of the war due to its exceptional accuracy." Following that sentiment, the U.S. government purchased about 10,000 to use as training rifles for their military, and this one features the U.S. marking with flaming bomb on the stock. The U.S. soldiers would then swap the Canadian slings for American-made Kerr examples, which this rifle still has. The finish on the rifle is original with some thinning throughout, but very good bluing on the barrel. There are clear proofs and cartouches on the right side of the stock but we aren't certain their meaning. The bore has good rifling but notable frost, dirt and pitting in the grooves. It would likely still benefit from a thorough cleaning. Stock has various dings and an indent on the left side but no structural issues.