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

Making Keltec Pr57 1
Making Keltec Pr57 1

Making The KelTec PR57 In Wyoming

To make its PR57 handgun, KelTec invested in an entirely new manufacturing facility located in Rock Springs, Wyo. "American Rifleman Television" headed out for an inside look at the company's efficient production process.

Taurus 66 Combat: A New "Fighting Revolver"

First introduced in the 1970s, the Taurus 66 Combat is a medium-frame revolver that has seen several evolutions in its lifetime, and the latest update creates what the company considers "the final word in fighting revolvers."

Review: Taurus GX2

From cars to cellphones, as a product gets more sophisticated, it usually also gets more expensive. And, as modern handguns get more modular and optic-ready, their prices tend to go up.

Rifleman Q&A: A Garand Puzzlement

"We are a father-and-son NRA member tandem in search of an answer regarding the branding of an M1 Garand rifle. We own an M1 rifle that has markings indicating it was a “lend lease to England,” and it also has a .308 barrel/sleeve."

$160K Raised For HAVA At SIG Sauer Event

SIG Sauer hosted its 9th Annual Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) Charity Golf event early last month and raised more than $160,000 to support disabled veterans.

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.