I Have This Old Gun: Ross Rifle

by
posted on October 12, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In this “I Have This Old Gun” segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV, the experts take an in-depth look at the history of the Canadian-made Ross Rifle. With origins in a 1905 sporting rifle, chambered in .280 Ross, the 1910 military variant of the Ross fired the .303 British, and proved as problematic as it was accurate.

Conceived by Charles Ross, and adapted for military service following a disagreement with the British over licensing for the Lee-Enfield, the Ross Rifle featured a straight-pull bolt unique from many of its turn-bolt counterparts. This distinctive feature proved to be its downfall however, as the tolerances were far too tight for the rigors of trench warfare. The least bit of dirt or dust caused the action to seize up, and after cleaning, the bolt was very easy to replace in an improper fashion. This latter error, if committed, would cause the bolt to explode out the back of the rifle upon release of the next shot. The gun eventually did find its niche as a sniper rifle, where its high accuracy made its finicky nature wholly worthwhile. For more on this firearm, check out this segment from American Rifleman TV.





Latest

Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1
Walther Arms Pd380 Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PD380

For its latest compact carry pistol, the PD380, Walther Arms combined elements of its Performance Duty Pistol series with its legacy PK380 platform.

Black Beauty: Nimschke’s Masterpiece Sold By Rock Island Auction

German-born Louis Daniel Nimschke is widely recognized as one of the most talented and prolific firearm engravers of the 19th century.

Springfield Updates Saint Victor AR-15 Lineup

Since 2019, Springfield Armory has offered its Saint Victor line of AR-15s with enhanced features, and for 2025, the company has updated those features to keep pace with consumer demands.

In Memoriam: Wiley Clapp

Longtime American Rifleman Field Editor and contributor Wiley Clapp passed away June 4, 2025. He was 90 years old.

Fiocchi Of America Joins The Kinetic Group, HEVI-Shot Moving Operations

The Kinetic Group has officially added Fiocchi of America—and exclusive rights to Baschieri & Pellagri in the United States—to its lineup of top ammunition brands.

Inside NRA’s New America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA has developed a new competition designed to promote better marksmanship with America’s rifle—the AR-15 platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.