If I remember correctly the rifle, after some work, did become a relatively good sniper rifle, but for everyday infantry use it was not up to a good enough standard.
Banhammer72 In the end it was a good rifle design. It had two fatal flaws in service, production issues resulting in failures of the rifle and tight tolerances resulting in stoppages with low tolerance ammunition and/or mud in the mix. For a sharpshooter these weren’t big deals. They would be picking from rifles that had survived initial service that would have shown production issues and they had the opportunity to obtain the best ammunition while taking the time to ensure their weapons and rounds were clean. Add to that sights that were better than the SMLE and it certainly could find a niche. For similar reasons they were quite popular hunting rifles after the war.
The Ross was really a target rifle pushed into military service. The MKII rifle was so accurate in inter-army competition that other countries started to complain about the rifle and tried to get it banned.
A kilt. A Glengarry. A mustache. And a concise history of the Mk. III Ross. I have never been prouder of my country or a fellow countryman. You have earned yourself a subscriber, Sir.
Over the years, my UA-cam gun channel watching has become VERY selective. I no longer watch channels determined to sell things and make money as their prime motivator. Instead I watch channels that aim to share their love of firearms and the history of firearms. This channel, Gun Jesus, and C&Rsenal are among the very best of those. Once again GREAT video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MY father served in WW1 in the 2nd Dragoon Guards, he told me of the young Canadian "farm boys" who were equiped, in his words, with a very accurate but unreliable rifle. He told me about them "going over the top" and their Ross rifles jaming and them throwing them away and keeping on running towards the German lines. The story stuck with me and was in a large part responsible for my interest in rifles and shooting. I have had a 1914 dated 1910 Ross Mk111 for nearly 40 years and I shoot it regularly at Bisley. Superbly accurate and very evocative in use. I always think of those Canadian "farm boys" when using it. Thanks for the great videos.....I also have quite a few other rifles which are subjects of your presentations.
My ‘father’ joined the British reserves (Home Guard) during WW2. He claimed they had to use the Ross and as provincials had to use them far longer than units nearer London and the East/Southeast. In the 70s I found one in the armory safe of my Air Training Corps squadron- our officers didn’t know what it was or where it came from.
liam clarke Back then most of our ATC officers were actually fly boys during the war. We had a Mosquito pilot, a Wellington tail gunner, one flew in Hamdens, and a bank manager. One officer who belonged to our squadron and the gliding school flew Javelins after the war. The only person who knew anything about guns was a civilian instructor who was a policeman (we had two cops) who shot pistols. The Ross just sat there in pieces, and no I couldn’t put it together or clean it. I ended up teaching cadets how to shoot when there should have been an officer present.
When I was a student my flatmate's father spoke of his time in the old Latvian Army and his love of the, then standard, Ross. BTW the Enfield P14 was known to them as the 'Ross-Enfield' for unknown reasons. By then they had all incorporated the the final fixes of the Ross's problems and they worked well.
I have always wanted a Ross MkIII and an 1895 Lee Navy, but when I was actively collecting military rifles, none were available in Ohio at a price I could afford. Every one of the few examples I could find were in the museum quality class, not the "shooter" grade that I wanted. I had viewed several of each rifle in museums, but wanted to experience firing them. You are a fortunate man, sir. To be able to touch history on a personal level is a blessing that should be appreciated. Thank you for sharing with us.
I am sorry I sold my Ross but back in the 70's these old military rifles were every where. I sold my constabulary carbine too. foolish boy I was. Great video as always.
Don't feel too bad. You're hardly unique in that aspect. Its a similar deal here with US Krag Jorgensons. A huge number of them were surplused and sporterized in the early 20th century, around the 1920s. Its even noticable in To Kill a Mockingbird when the Sheriff give Atticus a sporterized 1898 Krag to take out the rabid dog
As paul Allen mentioned with the krags in the us, it's easier to be duped into thinking about selling your stash when there's surplus everywhere. Not just in rifles, in the US the sports car market became flooded with vehicles at dropped floor prices because of many factors including mpg/kpg, higher insurance costs and trend for lighter vehicles. Many former owners or roadrunners, chevelles, and rarer types sold or traded with regret years later.
Some of these old bolt guns go for pretty good prices. Personally I think it’s cause more people tend to hold onto them then wanting to sell them. But as time goes on it gets harder to find ammo. For something british or American and German. You can still make going range shooting with these things quite viable.
Sitting out on the porch, having my morning coffee,,, "Im going to tell you, this front sight is like a Mars Bar," ,,, ,, I just broke out laughing so hard, everyone on the street is looking at me. Well done Sir. Another epic rendition.
Love the mention of gun jesus and gun moses and Mary. Watching one of my favourite channels mentioning two more of my favourite channels! Outstanding!!
I just wanted to congratulate you, as this video was of such high quality that the Canadian encyclopedia has now put it into their article on the Ross.
I cannot speak on the wartime service of the Ross . But one of the men that taught my friends and I , to hunt had a #3 . He had inherited it from his father in Canada , who had purchased it in the 1920’s and hunted with it for over 30 years . We boys loved it , and I do believe that your front sight was buggered up by someone. Our beloved late teacher never even thought about replacing it , and took a lot of deer in upstate New York with it. 300 yards with Winchester Super X , all 5 shots on a paper plate was very doable. And taking it apart and cleaning it properly was not that hard.
I spoke to a WW2 Canadian veteran who was a range captain and Home Guard rifle team member from Thunder Bay about the troubled Ross rifle, he told me they used them on their long range high power team. No problems with the bolt and that they slugged all their rifle bores and used paper patched bullets to great effect at ranges to 800 yds. He said he liked the rifle a lot. He's now passed on. I remember him well.
Yes, one could understand how there was little trouble with the Ross after the fact... most of the issues were worked out during the Great War. Thanks for sharing!
Just wanted you to know that your videos helped inspire me to live up to my dream of military service. Joining the USAF at the ripe age of 38...at least I hope...go to MEPS in just a month and hopefully get to swear in after. Wish me luck!
You won't regret your decision. I joined the Canadian Air Force Reserves in 1996 and celebrated my 42nd birthday in boot camp at CFB Borden. I was able to visit places I never probably never would have got to such as Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. One of my best decisions ever!
Every time I see one of your presentations I am amazed by the attention to detail, knowledge, and from time to time glimpse of Canadian humor. Excellent work, Sir!
I just found your channel through the “9 Hole Reviews” video on the Martini-Henry. Fantastic information and presentation! Keep up the great work, sir.
I remember my dad telling me about the Ross rifle and how long it was when he was in the home guard. In 1943 he volunteered for RAF aircrew and his use of the Ross rifle probably stood him in good stead as a rear gunner
Biscuits and gravy , coffee , Britishmuzzleloaders and sitting on the front porch watching this excellent video , with a little rain , retirement IS good , well done again young man
It's definitely not just you having problems with charger loading. Friends of mine have had similar issues, as well C&Rsenal had the same problems when they filmed their Ross video.
My father often mentioned the Ross rifle when we were growing up. I haven't fired one before or even seen one.Our Dad is 89 this year and still makes our deer camp.I wonder if any are still out there still in use at deer camps.🇨🇦 happy Saturday all,blessings.
Rob, your channel is underrated. Since I've discovered your channel I've been watching your videos quite a bit. The weapons you introduce are new to me and you've educated me on them. Keep this great content going, you're doing great work.
This channel is such a delight to watch. Both the quality of your presentations and the depth of the information related in your videos are excellent. Thanks for all the great work that you put into these videos. All the best from a few provinces over!
Great video! I am currently writing a novel on my great uncles experiences with the 3rd division reserved cyclists and then his later transfer to the 2nd Canadian Battalion until his death at the beginning of Operation Michael outside of Arras. This is a great over view of the weapon and gives me some great details for the book. thank you!
I just wanted to take the time to let you know how much I enjoyed this video. I love how you take the time to go over the rifle, and then explain the period dress, then give some wonderful history about the battalion. So not only did I learn about a very interesting rifle, but I got to learn more about the brave men who served with it. Fantastic stuff! On top of all that, you make it so digestible and enjoyable, I felt like I was sitting by a fire with a good cigar sharing a drink with you and soaking it all in. Keep it up!!
I am very lucky to have owned a Ross with zero modifications. Not even the rivet in the bolt. 100% original issue M-1910. This is absolutely the best video I have seen on the Ross. Great job!
Excellent rundown of the Ross. The Ross was a well-made sucky rifle that cost men their lives. I'd prefer to carry a Mosin-Nagant into battle, and that is saying a LOT. Thanks for posting!
You can't have a decent rifle but we need you to fight our wars, you'll have to make your own. As a veteran of the British military who's proudly served alongside the Canadians (all be it much later than the Ross episode) I'd like to offer my apologies for my ancestors short sightedness. I do like the lines of the Ross as a marksmans weapon, a great shame they never really got it right. Another truly great video sir, many thanks.
My Father served 1947-49 in the RAF the start of National Service. They were trained on the Ross not the Lee Enfield SMLE or No4. A rifle already nearly 50:years old!
Oh wow! The Mk1 Magazine Lee Enfield is very obviously a rifle that has it's heritage well and truly in the 'Lee Enfield' lineage. The visual simalarities between this, the SMLE, and even down the road as far as the Enfield Enforcer 7.62 really do shine through!
@@britishmuzzleloaders Which is another that is very obviously from the same stable. Chop it off infront of the rear sight, and it's almost indistinguishable from a SMLE from a distance.
Oh, thank you for pointing out exactly what I was wondering, at 22:33. I was curious about the OAL of the Ross w/ bayonet, vs SMLE w/ bayonet attached. That was interesting. Outstanding content, as always! Thank you, for the effor you put into these.
Rule number 1, NEVER issue a rifle that can be re-assembled improperly and will blow your jaw off. Rule number 2, Stay away from cartridges that quickly erode the rifling in a battle rifle, making it useless. Rule number 3, Very tight chambers equal very many stoppages and that's...unpleasant. Rule number 4, Keep making awesome videos :) From a former rifleman.
@@britishmuzzleloaders The reference is to the 280 Ross. It's high velocity projectile created high barrel temperatures and tended to burn out the rifling over time. It was however, flat shooting and accurate. When the Ross was chambered for the .303 MK 7 cartridge there were problems with overly tight chambers which was problematic due to slight differences in cartridge dimensions during wartime production. National pride aside, the SMLE no1 MK 3 was a much better rifle.
@@smithwesson7765 Sure, but the 280 was never a service cartridge, so I don't know how one could mention it in the context of being in action... as for the chambering issues, this was mentioned in the video. The Ross was always chambered in 303. The 280 was the "side project". Cheers!
As a soldier for just over 12 years in the British Army ( Scots. D G),, (tanks) Chieftain, Challenger ) And a reasonable shot, thank goodness I wasn't up against you , Iv seen a ton of your shooting....Miles ahead of 99% of the men I served with (and myself..)..only being honest ....Top man.
If you pull up on the tip of the bullet of the first round with your index finger and push on it's rear with your thumb you won't have a problem with loading with the charger. This aligns the round better and prevents slipping, which is what causes the struggle of pushing the rounds in.
I have been fortunate enough to possess a 1905 mkii*** Ross, and though the sight usage vexed me for some time, after some parts and practice, I too have come to appreciate the precision and smoothness of the Ross system. Looking forward to further Ross content, cheers!
@@britishmuzzleloaders Not being able to get my hands on a copy of The Ross Rifle Story book, I'd love to hear more about the different revision changes, sights included
Gotta admit, as a Yank I love my American weapons. BUT, as a history nerd and a lover of historical weapons this channel is a lot of fun. And just gives me thoughts about weapons I need to add to my collection ;)
This isn’t the first time I’ve watched this video but it is the first time I’ve noticed the two Pte McKenzie’s at the end. I imagine they remain in your thoughts much as some of my ancestors - one of whom was a conchy stretcher bearer, later a mayor of his hometown in NE England, and whom I’m named after - another a Grenadier Guardsman during the 2nd boer and later the RSM of the south staffs throughout the Great War - are in mine. Fantastic video as always Rob. As a non gun owning Englishman your videos are precisely the type of content I’m into. Cheers!
Great video Rob. One minor quibble is that the picture of mounted men is actually in some archives titled "Men from the 2nd South Australian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent, who fought in the Boer War." Spotted it as the picture is quite famous in Australia as 3rd from the left is 'Breaker Morant'. After discharge from Australian service as a Lcpl, Breaker Morant was later recruited as an LT to serve in a British irregular unit, the Bushveldt Carbineers and was tried and executed by firing squad by the British Army for executing enemy prisoners (apparently in revenge for his mentor's killing). A number of films and books were written about him and he is a bit of an odd folk hero here in Australia.
The picture was used as a generic example of mounted infantry (of which it is a very good one), and not of any specific unit. I can see how there might be confusion though...
Understand Rob, sorry to sound picky. Just as your channel celebrates the proud Canadian & Commonwealth history I was looking for Canadian forces pictures (rightly so, in my opinion - even though my lot were Irish in the British Army, and my own experience was the Aussie Army). I will do some digging for you - one of my ex-Infantry friends is an archivist at the Australian War Memorial- and may have some pictures of our great Commonwealth cousins from that war to share. Will let you know if I do?! Btw keep up the great work!
@@thomasconc No need to apologize, Thomas. If I had included a caption to the effect of "Not Loch's Horse, but indicative of the mounted Infantry in general", it wouldn't have been misunderstood... Thank you for identifying the picture. In the context of it's use, it still remains a great example of Mounted Infantry from any country (idiosyncrasies notwithstanding).
@@britishmuzzleloaders Thanks Rob for taking the time to reply. It is just in my upbringing to apologise for most things (too much time living in the UK I'm afraid) ;-) Yes it is a good picture, you had a fair few excellent pictures in your video - I will see if I can source any others from my good friend & share if they may be of use.
@@thomasconc That would be great. Always on the look out for great, pertinent pictures.... Sorry,.... you can't really discuss apologizing to any great degree with me,.... I'm Canadian, don't you know... :-)
A most informative video. And if there is more to this rifle in other videos, I look forward to the tales of McKenzie's equally slow Canadian cousin. ;)
I have a converted World War I Ross in has a commercial stock And a 3 leaf express sight It's a real hoot to shoot but unfortunately it has the hogged out chamber so I use brass that is past its prime or surplus berdan primed rounds . thanks for your excellent channel..I'm a huge fan
What a great video, showing the development of a much needed weapon. Why BSA couldn't open a factory nobody will ever know. That's a fast bolt action on the Ross seems much easier than an SMLE.
Really informative video and I like your reenactment with the rifle . I own a Ross cadet trainer, it's a single shot .22 with a simplified aperture sight.
I know it's not really your thing but I and MANY others would love to see this channel stretch into WWI to as modern as you're willing to go for British small arms. If we start a funding campaigne can we get you to the US to do videos on the Lewis, Vickers, Bren, Sten?
A Ross Mk III was what I graduated to after cutting my teeth on first a Cooey single shot .22L, then a Remington Fieldmaster pump action .22 S/L/LR. It was in all ways identical to the one shown here, with the exception of having a slimmer, and I believe taller front sight post. I believe it went to my Uncle after my grandparents passed. I remember, at 8 years old, it was indeed heavy, but manageable, and although the sights were nothing like what I was used to, it was surprisingly easy to get hits out to 230 yards (longest distance to shoot on the farm). It was deceivingly smooth to operate too, the bolt on the Cooey felt downright chunky and rough by comparison, but like most actions, you had to operate it "with deliberate intent", or it lost some of that smoothness.
Regarding the scale on the side of the sight: when I hear "vernier scale" I think of devices with sets of lines on each side that can be lined up, to allow for more accurate measurement, rather than simply one line on one side and a set of lines on the other. For example, on a vernier micrometer you'd line up the main line to get the measurement to .001", and then look at which of the lines above it is best lined up to get the .0001" measurement.
Love the perspective of Commonwealth. My goodness seeing how Canada fought during both world wars if I was in charge I would have made sure you had the best of the best the empire could provide
I wish I could get my hands on a Ross MK III... Additional note, the Ross was kept by many Canadian snipers, as the greater accuracy and performance for that specific role was what they wanted. One shining example of this is Francis Pegahmagabow, born Binaaswi (The Wind That Blows Off), whom volunteered to the Canadian Expeditionary Forces and concluded World War I with 378 kills. He is the most decorated First Nations soldier in Canadian history, and arguably the most effective sniper of World War I.
I used to have a M1905 Ross Mk. II with US Army markings and a vintage Kerr sling. Gorgeous piece, should never have let it go. That dump loading thing wasn't the best of ideas though lol. A Magnificent Bastard that Charles Ross was, to paraphrase Othais.
what a gorgeously beautiful, intricately designed old rifle... oooh and yowies actually exist and they do the electro boggy but they very shy, only got statues of them never any photos
I have a Mk111. I enjoy shooting it, as it has weight. Tames the recoil. My grandfather was there in WW1. We talked about the small arms. He and his men, pinched as much supplies as they could. They always had Mausers and anything else needed, in the forward trenches. He liked the Ross. It was accurate. It was not the only small arm that could be assembled backwards. I loaded some blue pills and proofed my rifle again. I have had it for 20 years. Wish I had grabbed one 40 yrs ago. EDIT - "Percy Gutherie and the MacLean Kilties" Cheers.
@@britishmuzzleloaders My grandfather was one of the Maclean Kilties from New Brunswick. We have a picture of him - 1923 I believe. He is the ONLY one wearing a Kilt, and beret. Sadly it never lasted the years. We knew he was attached to the 10th. and the 236. He really did not like the command. He was a SGt 3 or more times, but he protected his guys, ripped off his stripes and went back to the front. He knew explosives before the war. There he got real good at applications. Mischievous was a strong centering streak. In a war, with much misery, he and his 3 brothers, joined, fought thier turn and returned to Canada. To me - his best advice - was to "be contrary". Ask WHY? Thank you for your effort and work. I point my kids and others to this info. Cheers and be well!
Wasn't that the ammo was weak, it was that Canadian ammo was made to finer tolerances and resultantly, so was the Ross's chamber... once it got to the field and that supply couldn't be guaranteed, the looser tolerances of British ammo caused problems. The problem was fixed by reshaping the chamber and making it slightly larger.
My grandfather loved the ross he served as a sharpshooter in ww1 still have his discharge papers it's huge and signed by the king. Pretty cool.
If I remember correctly the rifle, after some work, did become a relatively good sniper rifle, but for everyday infantry use it was not up to a good enough standard.
Herbert McBride, in his book on WW1 sniping, mentioned the Ross quite a bit if I recall correctly.
Banhammer72 In the end it was a good rifle design. It had two fatal flaws in service, production issues resulting in failures of the rifle and tight tolerances resulting in stoppages with low tolerance ammunition and/or mud in the mix.
For a sharpshooter these weren’t big deals. They would be picking from rifles that had survived initial service that would have shown production issues and they had the opportunity to obtain the best ammunition while taking the time to ensure their weapons and rounds were clean. Add to that sights that were better than the SMLE and it certainly could find a niche.
For similar reasons they were quite popular hunting rifles after the war.
Thanks for sharing!
The Ross was really a target rifle pushed into military service. The MKII rifle was so accurate in inter-army competition that other countries started to complain about the rifle and tried to get it banned.
A kilt. A Glengarry. A mustache. And a concise history of the Mk. III Ross.
I have never been prouder of my country or a fellow countryman. You have earned yourself a subscriber, Sir.
Thank you kindly!
Over the years, my UA-cam gun channel watching has become VERY selective. I no longer watch channels determined to sell things and make money as their prime motivator. Instead I watch channels that aim to share their love of firearms and the history of firearms. This channel, Gun Jesus, and C&Rsenal are among the very best of those. Once again GREAT video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is very kind of you to say so. Thank you, indeed.
Gun Jesus is very much out to make money, and has made quite a bit. But frankly, good for him.
MY father served in WW1 in the 2nd Dragoon Guards, he told me of the young Canadian "farm boys" who were equiped, in his words, with a very accurate but unreliable rifle. He told me about them "going over the top" and their Ross rifles jaming and them throwing them away and keeping on running towards the German lines. The story stuck with me and was in a large part responsible for my interest in rifles and shooting. I have had a 1914 dated 1910 Ross Mk111 for nearly 40 years and I shoot it regularly at Bisley. Superbly accurate and very evocative in use. I always think of those Canadian "farm boys" when using it. Thanks for the great videos.....I also have quite a few other rifles which are subjects of your presentations.
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
England: "No, we won't give you rifles"
Canada: *Decides to produce own rifle*
England: "Wait, that's illegal!"
Rather complicated, for sure.
My ‘father’ joined the British reserves (Home Guard) during WW2. He claimed they had to use the Ross and as provincials had to use them far longer than units nearer London and the East/Southeast. In the 70s I found one in the armory safe of my Air Training Corps squadron- our officers didn’t know what it was or where it came from.
Aye. My Grandads Home Guard unit in Yorkshire also had the Ross.
The HG used whatever they could get their hands on, for sure!
I love this story did thay think it was a civilian rifle or a training rifle
@@liamclarke1196 No. They were fully trained to kill Nazis with it.
liam clarke Back then most of our ATC officers were actually fly boys during the war. We had a Mosquito pilot, a Wellington tail gunner, one flew in Hamdens, and a bank manager. One officer who belonged to our squadron and the gliding school flew Javelins after the war. The only person who knew anything about guns was a civilian instructor who was a policeman (we had two cops) who shot pistols. The Ross just sat there in pieces, and no I couldn’t put it together or clean it. I ended up teaching cadets how to shoot when there should have been an officer present.
When I was a student my flatmate's father spoke of his time in the old Latvian Army and his love of the, then standard, Ross. BTW the Enfield P14 was known to them as the 'Ross-Enfield' for unknown reasons. By then they had all incorporated the the final fixes of the Ross's problems and they worked well.
Interesting, as most of your little tidbits are, John! Thanks for sharing!
I have always wanted a Ross MkIII and an 1895 Lee Navy, but when I was actively collecting military rifles, none were available in Ohio at a price I could afford. Every one of the few examples I could find were in the museum quality class, not the "shooter" grade that I wanted. I had viewed several of each rifle in museums, but wanted to experience firing them. You are a fortunate man, sir. To be able to touch history on a personal level is a blessing that should be appreciated. Thank you for sharing with us.
Oh, I appreciate it, for sure!
I am sorry I sold my Ross but back in the 70's these old military rifles were every where. I sold my constabulary carbine too. foolish boy I was. Great video as always.
Thanks!
Don't feel too bad. You're hardly unique in that aspect.
Its a similar deal here with US Krag Jorgensons. A huge number of them were surplused and sporterized in the early 20th century, around the 1920s.
Its even noticable in To Kill a Mockingbird when the Sheriff give Atticus a sporterized 1898 Krag to take out the rabid dog
As paul Allen mentioned with the krags in the us, it's easier to be duped into thinking about selling your stash when there's surplus everywhere. Not just in rifles, in the US the sports car market became flooded with vehicles at dropped floor prices because of many factors including mpg/kpg, higher insurance costs and trend for lighter vehicles.
Many former owners or roadrunners, chevelles, and rarer types sold or traded with regret years later.
Some of these old bolt guns go for pretty good prices. Personally I think it’s cause more people tend to hold onto them then wanting to sell them. But as time goes on it gets harder to find ammo. For something british or American and German. You can still make going range shooting with these things quite viable.
Sitting out on the porch, having my morning coffee,,, "Im going to tell you, this front sight is like a Mars Bar," ,,, ,, I just broke out laughing so hard, everyone on the street is looking at me. Well done Sir. Another epic rendition.
Well at least you didn't waste the coffee by doing a spit; an unexpected benefit.
Thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed it!
Quality, through and through. I enjoy the very Canadian Mars bar reference. Those yanks can keep their Milky Ways ;)
Haha! indeed!
Coffee Crisp & Mars made the Empire great
Love the mention of gun jesus and gun moses and Mary. Watching one of my favourite channels mentioning two more of my favourite channels! Outstanding!!
Let me guess, Gun Moses and Mary is C&Rsenal?
@@Tadicuslegion78 😀👍
Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
I just wanted to congratulate you, as this video was of such high quality that the Canadian encyclopedia has now put it into their article on the Ross.
Yes it is! I was approached by them to include it in the article.
I cannot speak on the wartime service of the Ross . But one of the men that taught my friends and I , to hunt had a #3 . He had inherited it from his father in Canada , who had purchased it in the 1920’s and hunted with it for over 30 years . We boys loved it , and I do believe that your front sight was buggered up by someone. Our beloved late teacher never even thought about replacing it , and took a lot of deer in upstate New York with it. 300 yards with Winchester Super X , all 5 shots on a paper plate was very doable. And taking it apart and cleaning it properly was not that hard.
Productive life, then!
I spoke to a WW2 Canadian veteran who was a range captain and Home Guard rifle team member from Thunder Bay about the troubled Ross rifle, he told me they used them on their long range high power team. No problems with the bolt and that they slugged all their rifle bores and used paper patched bullets to great effect at ranges to 800 yds. He said he liked the rifle a lot. He's now passed on. I remember him well.
Yes, one could understand how there was little trouble with the Ross after the fact... most of the issues were worked out during the Great War. Thanks for sharing!
Someday, Mike from BotR would need to come back and see this--because I want to hear him talk about primary extraction and other geekiness.
Hahaha!
Just wanted you to know that your videos helped inspire me to live up to my dream of military service. Joining the USAF at the ripe age of 38...at least I hope...go to MEPS in just a month and hopefully get to swear in after.
Wish me luck!
LUCK! Congratulations in your decision!
@@britishmuzzleloaders Many thanks my friend!
You won't regret your decision. I joined the Canadian Air Force Reserves in 1996 and celebrated my 42nd birthday in boot camp at CFB Borden. I was able to visit places I never probably never would have got to such as Israel, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. One of my best decisions ever!
I just love the look of the Ross Mark III.
EDIT: The sights likewise looks really nice to aim with.
The sights are really good, yes... if a bit hard to read (with my eyes)
Every time I see one of your presentations I am amazed by the attention to detail, knowledge, and from time to time glimpse of Canadian humor.
Excellent work, Sir!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just found your channel through the “9 Hole Reviews” video on the Martini-Henry. Fantastic information and presentation! Keep up the great work, sir.
Awesome, thank you!
That bolt is something, very cool, looks so smooth in action
It is.
I remember my dad telling me about the Ross rifle and how long it was when he was in the home guard.
In 1943 he volunteered for RAF aircrew and his use of the Ross rifle probably stood him in good stead as a rear gunner
Perhaps, yes!
Don't forget, it is not YOUR rifle, you are keeping a piece of history to pass on to the next generation....
I know, I know,..... 🙂
Biscuits and gravy , coffee , Britishmuzzleloaders and sitting on the front porch watching this excellent video , with a little rain , retirement IS good , well done again young man
That is very kind of you.. Hope you enjoyed it!
It's definitely not just you having problems with charger loading. Friends of mine have had similar issues, as well C&Rsenal had the same problems when they filmed their Ross video.
Yes, thanks!
My father often mentioned the Ross rifle when we were growing up. I haven't fired one before or even seen one.Our Dad is 89 this year and still makes our deer camp.I wonder if any are still out there still in use at deer camps.🇨🇦 happy Saturday all,blessings.
Cheers!
Nice to hear The Maple Leaf Forever playing in the background....
Cheers!
Rob, your channel is underrated. Since I've discovered your channel I've been watching your videos quite a bit. The weapons you introduce are new to me and you've educated me on them. Keep this great content going, you're doing great work.
That is very kind of you to say so. Glad you are enjoying it! Thank you.
This channel is such a delight to watch. Both the quality of your presentations and the depth of the information related in your videos are excellent. Thanks for all the great work that you put into these videos. All the best from a few provinces over!
Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! I am currently writing a novel on my great uncles experiences with the 3rd division reserved cyclists and then his later transfer to the 2nd Canadian Battalion until his death at the beginning of Operation Michael outside of Arras. This is a great over view of the weapon and gives me some great details for the book. thank you!
You are most welcome!
I just wanted to take the time to let you know how much I enjoyed this video. I love how you take the time to go over the rifle, and then explain the period dress, then give some wonderful history about the battalion. So not only did I learn about a very interesting rifle, but I got to learn more about the brave men who served with it. Fantastic stuff! On top of all that, you make it so digestible and enjoyable, I felt like I was sitting by a fire with a good cigar sharing a drink with you and soaking it all in. Keep it up!!
Glad to hear! Very kind words!
Thank you for this excellent presentation and for sharing your experiences with the Ross. Excellent attention to detail as always.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!
Phenomenal production quality on these videos. The Ross rifle is such an elegant weapon.
Thank you!
I am so jealous of the beautiful place you go to shoot! You're a lucky man, Rob!
I am lucky, yes!
I am very lucky to have owned a Ross with zero modifications. Not even the rivet in the bolt. 100% original issue M-1910.
This is absolutely the best video I have seen on the Ross. Great job!
Thank you!
Excellent rundown of the Ross. The Ross was a well-made sucky rifle that cost men their lives. I'd prefer to carry a Mosin-Nagant into battle, and that is saying a LOT. Thanks for posting!
No, the rifle was a poorly made rifle that suffered from many different maladies caused by poor quality control and manufacture...
You can't have a decent rifle but we need you to fight our wars, you'll have to make your own. As a veteran of the British military who's proudly served alongside the Canadians (all be it much later than the Ross episode) I'd like to offer my apologies for my ancestors short sightedness. I do like the lines of the Ross as a marksmans weapon, a great shame they never really got it right. Another truly great video sir, many thanks.
Very nice to shoot! Cheers.
One of my favorite military rifles of all time even though it has some problems. Great video sir.
Thank you!
My Father served 1947-49 in the RAF the start of National Service. They were trained on the Ross not the Lee Enfield SMLE or No4. A rifle already nearly 50:years old!
Interesting!
Oh wow! The Mk1 Magazine Lee Enfield is very obviously a rifle that has it's heritage well and truly in the 'Lee Enfield' lineage. The visual simalarities between this, the SMLE, and even down the road as far as the Enfield Enforcer 7.62 really do shine through!
It started with the Lee Metford, of course..
@@britishmuzzleloaders Which is another that is very obviously from the same stable. Chop it off infront of the rear sight, and it's almost indistinguishable from a SMLE from a distance.
Oh, thank you for pointing out exactly what I was wondering, at 22:33. I was curious about the OAL of the Ross w/ bayonet, vs SMLE w/ bayonet attached. That was interesting.
Outstanding content, as always! Thank you, for the effor you put into these.
You are most welcome!
Your videos just get better and better .
Absolutely superb!
Thank you!
Rule number 1, NEVER issue a rifle that can be re-assembled improperly and will blow your jaw off.
Rule number 2, Stay away from cartridges that quickly erode the rifling in a battle rifle, making it useless.
Rule number 3, Very tight chambers equal very many stoppages and that's...unpleasant.
Rule number 4, Keep making awesome videos :) From a former rifleman.
Cartridges eroding rifling?....
@@britishmuzzleloaders The reference is to the 280 Ross. It's high velocity projectile created high barrel temperatures and tended to burn out the rifling over time. It was however, flat shooting and accurate.
When the Ross was chambered for the .303 MK 7 cartridge there were problems with overly tight chambers which was problematic due to slight differences in cartridge dimensions during wartime production.
National pride aside, the SMLE no1 MK 3 was a much better rifle.
@@smithwesson7765 Sure, but the 280 was never a service cartridge, so I don't know how one could mention it in the context of being in action... as for the chambering issues, this was mentioned in the video. The Ross was always chambered in 303. The 280 was the "side project". Cheers!
As a soldier for just over 12 years in the British Army ( Scots. D G),, (tanks) Chieftain, Challenger ) And a reasonable shot, thank goodness I wasn't up against you , Iv seen a ton of your shooting....Miles ahead of 99% of the men I served with (and myself..)..only being honest ....Top man.
Only if I use old weapons though,... :-)
Very knowledgeable and entertaining!
Thank you!
Brilliant video great to see the rifle accompanied with era uniform.
Glad you enjoyed it!
As a general fan of Canadian small arms, you have no idea how excited I am about this video.
Hope you enjoyed it!
If you pull up on the tip of the bullet of the first round with your index finger and push on it's rear with your thumb you won't have a problem with loading with the charger. This aligns the round better and prevents slipping, which is what causes the struggle of pushing the rounds in.
Sure thing.
Fantastic video on a fantastic channel....thanks from the BC Interior...
Thank you!
Excellent presentation. Very informative. I've seen other "Ross" videos,so I had a modicum of interest and knowledge
Thank you!
Yet another fantastic film, another old rifle I now want to shoot it!!!
Cheers!
you have done it again, Brilliant historical video, very interesting.
Thank you!
I have been fortunate enough to possess a 1905 mkii*** Ross, and though the sight usage vexed me for some time, after some parts and practice, I too have come to appreciate the precision and smoothness of the Ross system. Looking forward to further Ross content, cheers!
So many sights,... ... so many..
@@britishmuzzleloaders Not being able to get my hands on a copy of The Ross Rifle Story book, I'd love to hear more about the different revision changes, sights included
@@kl-nc4gy As mentioned in the video, "perhaps the subject of another video".... :-)
Gotta admit, as a Yank I love my American weapons. BUT, as a history nerd and a lover of historical weapons this channel is a lot of fun. And just gives me thoughts about weapons I need to add to my collection ;)
They are out there...
The Ross story reminds me so much of the trials and tribulations of the Krag Jorgenson Rifle of the USA. Well done even with the Mini Kilt.
Cheers!
This isn’t the first time I’ve watched this video but it is the first time I’ve noticed the two Pte McKenzie’s at the end. I imagine they remain in your thoughts much as some of my ancestors - one of whom was a conchy stretcher bearer, later a mayor of his hometown in NE England, and whom I’m named after - another a Grenadier Guardsman during the 2nd boer and later the RSM of the south staffs throughout the Great War - are in mine. Fantastic video as always Rob. As a non gun owning Englishman your videos are precisely the type of content I’m into. Cheers!
Glad to hear, sir! Thanks for sharing your family's history!
Rob, you have outdone yourself again sir. I look forward to the next parts in the series. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Devin!
The 1,400:1 like/dislike ratio is a testament to the quality of the information in the video. Great work.
Thank you kindly!
Great video Rob.
One minor quibble is that the picture of mounted men is actually in some archives titled "Men from the 2nd South Australian (Mounted Rifles) Contingent, who fought in the Boer War." Spotted it as the picture is quite famous in Australia as 3rd from the left is 'Breaker Morant'.
After discharge from Australian service as a Lcpl, Breaker Morant was later recruited as an LT to serve in a British irregular unit, the Bushveldt Carbineers and was tried and executed by firing squad by the British Army for executing enemy prisoners (apparently in revenge for his mentor's killing). A number of films and books were written about him and he is a bit of an odd folk hero here in Australia.
The picture was used as a generic example of mounted infantry (of which it is a very good one), and not of any specific unit. I can see how there might be confusion though...
Understand Rob, sorry to sound picky. Just as your channel celebrates the proud Canadian & Commonwealth history I was looking for Canadian forces pictures (rightly so, in my opinion - even though my lot were Irish in the British Army, and my own experience was the Aussie Army).
I will do some digging for you - one of my ex-Infantry friends is an archivist at the Australian War Memorial- and may have some pictures of our great Commonwealth cousins from that war to share. Will let you know if I do?!
Btw keep up the great work!
@@thomasconc No need to apologize, Thomas. If I had included a caption to the effect of "Not Loch's Horse, but indicative of the mounted Infantry in general", it wouldn't have been misunderstood... Thank you for identifying the picture. In the context of it's use, it still remains a great example of Mounted Infantry from any country (idiosyncrasies notwithstanding).
@@britishmuzzleloaders Thanks Rob for taking the time to reply.
It is just in my upbringing to apologise for most things (too much time living in the UK I'm afraid) ;-)
Yes it is a good picture, you had a fair few excellent pictures in your video - I will see if I can source any others from my good friend & share if they may be of use.
@@thomasconc That would be great. Always on the look out for great, pertinent pictures.... Sorry,.... you can't really discuss apologizing to any great degree with me,.... I'm Canadian, don't you know... :-)
A most informative video.
And if there is more to this rifle in other videos, I look forward to the tales of McKenzie's equally slow Canadian cousin. ;)
There will be more Ross content for sure!
Yes...seen both videos...FW n C&ARSENAL...so I enjoyed yours. The accuracy was nice to see and your impressions on this rifle appreciated.
Thank you !
Straight bolt rifles are seriously gorgeous
They have a certain charm.
I have a converted World War I Ross in has a commercial stock And a 3 leaf express sight It's a real hoot to shoot but unfortunately it has the hogged out chamber so I use brass that is past its prime or surplus berdan primed rounds .
thanks for your excellent channel..I'm a huge fan
Thanks Mark!
Great Video, I love anything chambered in 303 Brit
Cheers!
What a great video, showing the development of a much needed weapon. Why BSA couldn't open a factory nobody will ever know. That's a fast bolt action on the Ross seems much easier than an SMLE.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Really informative video and I like your reenactment with the rifle . I own a Ross cadet trainer, it's a single shot .22 with a simplified aperture sight.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I know it's not really your thing but I and MANY others would love to see this channel stretch into WWI to as modern as you're willing to go for British small arms. If we start a funding campaigne can we get you to the US to do videos on the Lewis, Vickers, Bren, Sten?
That is completely my thing.... It's just very difficult to get a hold of those and fire them in Canada.
A Ross Mk III was what I graduated to after cutting my teeth on first a Cooey single shot .22L, then a Remington Fieldmaster pump action .22 S/L/LR. It was in all ways identical to the one shown here, with the exception of having a slimmer, and I believe taller front sight post. I believe it went to my Uncle after my grandparents passed. I remember, at 8 years old, it was indeed heavy, but manageable, and although the sights were nothing like what I was used to, it was surprisingly easy to get hits out to 230 yards (longest distance to shoot on the farm). It was deceivingly smooth to operate too, the bolt on the Cooey felt downright chunky and rough by comparison, but like most actions, you had to operate it "with deliberate intent", or it lost some of that smoothness.
Nice! Thanks for sharing!
As allways you provide great and informative content.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Regarding the scale on the side of the sight: when I hear "vernier scale" I think of devices with sets of lines on each side that can be lined up, to allow for more accurate measurement, rather than simply one line on one side and a set of lines on the other. For example, on a vernier micrometer you'd line up the main line to get the measurement to .001", and then look at which of the lines above it is best lined up to get the .0001" measurement.
Yes, not exactly a "Vernier scale".... simply a series of markings denoting 2 MOA.
Love the perspective of Commonwealth. My goodness seeing how Canada fought during both world wars if I was in charge I would have made sure you had the best of the best the empire could provide
Cheers!
I wish I could get my hands on a Ross MK III...
Additional note, the Ross was kept by many Canadian snipers, as the greater accuracy and performance for that specific role was what they wanted. One shining example of this is Francis Pegahmagabow, born Binaaswi (The Wind That Blows Off), whom volunteered to the Canadian Expeditionary Forces and concluded World War I with 378 kills. He is the most decorated First Nations soldier in Canadian history, and arguably the most effective sniper of World War I.
Sure thing!
Brilliant, I had never seen or heard anything of note on the Ross rifle, will be looking for one now, cheer's
Glad you enjoyed it!
An excellent review of the history of both the rifle and its application. Thank you.
Cheers!
Nice seeing you on C&Rsenal introducing the Ross.
The Ross? or the Long Lee?
Great vid. I missed it first time round. At min 24, during the slow motion run down, you almost gave the ladies a thrill.
Almost..... 😀 Careful editing saved the day...
Really Enjoy your videos. Your series on the No4 MK1 Lee Enfield helped me decide to get one.
Glad to hear!
Very interesting and informative, my grandad used a Ross mk3 in the homeguard.
Thank you!
Another great video. I fired a Ross rifle in cadets, that was in the 1970s I am not that old. :).
Thank you!
Thank You, Did not know that Canada took part in the Boer war. Being South African have family that fought on both sides of our stupid war. Thank You.
There was quite a significant contribution fielded... Infantry, artillery and mounted infantry.
I used to have a M1905 Ross Mk. II with US Army markings and a vintage Kerr sling. Gorgeous piece, should never have let it go. That dump loading thing wasn't the best of ideas though lol.
A Magnificent Bastard that Charles Ross was, to paraphrase Othais.
Yes, great episode that...!
All hail the glory of the Ross rifle!
I don' know that "glory" is the right word, but to each their own! :-)
Cracking video Rob.
Thanks Matt!
I like the background music in this video of the maple leaf forever
That's right!
what a gorgeously beautiful, intricately designed old rifle... oooh and yowies actually exist and they do the electro boggy but they very shy, only got statues of them never any photos
Sure thing.
I still think your shooting rest is outstanding
Thank you!
a lot of them made it down here in the U.S.A. . Great rifle a head of its time .
Yes, they were sold to the US Government.
I just finished watching Orthius and mae before watching your channel. Must look up forgotten weapons,seen some of there shows before.
Nice!
BGS liked the high riding kilt!! Yummy knees brother!! Great video!!
Hahahaha!
Nice video mate, For King and Country!!
Cheers!
Another great video. Thanks!
Thanks!
Great info about a rifle that was part of our heritage (but should have only been a minor footnote in the greater history of the Lee Enfield).
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a Mk111. I enjoy shooting it, as it has weight. Tames the recoil. My grandfather was there in WW1. We talked about the small arms. He and his men, pinched as much supplies as they could. They always had Mausers and anything else needed, in the forward trenches. He liked the Ross. It was accurate. It was not the only small arm that could be assembled backwards. I loaded some blue pills and proofed my rifle again. I have had it for 20 years. Wish I had grabbed one 40 yrs ago. EDIT - "Percy Gutherie and the MacLean Kilties" Cheers.
Thanks for sharing!
@@britishmuzzleloaders My grandfather was one of the Maclean Kilties from New Brunswick. We have a picture of him - 1923 I believe. He is the ONLY one wearing a Kilt, and beret. Sadly it never lasted the years. We knew he was attached to the 10th. and the 236. He really did not like the command. He was a SGt 3 or more times, but he protected his guys, ripped off his stripes and went back to the front. He knew explosives before the war. There he got real good at applications. Mischievous was a strong centering streak. In a war, with much misery, he and his 3 brothers, joined, fought thier turn and returned to Canada. To me - his best advice - was to "be contrary". Ask WHY? Thank you for your effort and work. I point my kids and others to this info. Cheers and be well!
@@mpccenturion Thanks for sharing!
I love History and Your Channel is Awesome. !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched in pain how You dropped the rifle on the rocks.....😢
Thanks for Sharing.
Cheers.
Mike! Buddy, you don't happen to have some 32 French Longue lying around, do you? Asking for a friend.
Hahaha!
The Longuer the better. It's for a friend of a friend actually.
the same joke all the time, it's not funny anymore, and it's wrong
Yet another great video/demonstration on the old Ross.
Thank you Bryan!
I heard some hearsay that the rifle was too long and was too sensitive to weak ammo for infantry use, but Canadian snipers loved the thing.
Wasn't that the ammo was weak, it was that Canadian ammo was made to finer tolerances and resultantly, so was the Ross's chamber... once it got to the field and that supply couldn't be guaranteed, the looser tolerances of British ammo caused problems. The problem was fixed by reshaping the chamber and making it slightly larger.
It is a beautiful looking rifle.
It has it's appeal, yes.
Documentary quality Rob. Fantastic work.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve got a Ross and love it, shoots great, very fast action, granted I’m not shooting it full of mud in a trench…
Very nice!