Canadian Ross Mk III Rifle M-10 M10 Straight Pull Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1250
LSB#: 210722RD20
Make: Ross Rifle Company, Canada
Model: Mk III or M-10
Serial Number: 5055740
Year of Manufacture: 1914-1916 (page 61 of Joe Puleo’s book, Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World).
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Straight Pull Bolt Action, Fixed Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked “ROSS RIFLE CO. / CANADA / M-10 / PATENTED”, “crown / 5” and with a “crown / crossed flags / DCP” Dominion of Canada proof. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “170”. The right side of the stock is also marked “170” below the receiver. The barrel shank is marked with inspection stamps and with a Dominion of Canada proof. The rear of the bolt handle is marked with the serial number and with “crossed flags”. The safety lever is marked “SAFE READY”. The bolt body is marked with partial stamps. The left side of the butt is marked “131” in paint. The right side of the butt is marked with a faded circular cartouche, “III”, “559 / 1916”, “LA MP” and “77”. The bottom of the grip and belly of the stock are marked with inspection stamps; some are faded.
Barrel Length: Approximately 30 ½ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post atop a raised base and under a protective hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched blade when down. It flips up to become a sight ladder that uses a screw adjustable “U” notched blade & aperture. The right side of the sight ladder is marked “0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12” and the right edge is marked “0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a pistol grip, nosecap with bayonet lug, 2 sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows several small scrapes & scratches as well as discoloration from oxidation. The barrel band and noscap show scrapes & scratches. The stock shows numerous scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Several of the marks have damaged or removed small portions of the surface wood. Most of these marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are light grey and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent erosion at the muzzle and in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches and thinning on the leading edges of the metal. The metal also shows discoloration from oxidation; heavier on the receiver & magazine. The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Canadian Ross Mk III Rifle (M-10 Rifle) was made sometime between 1914 and 1916. Its fixed magazine sets it apart from the earlier Ross Mk I & Mk II rifles. About 400,000 MkIII rifles were produced and many served during WWI. This M-10 is over 100 years old. It still looks good and can still do a ton of work at the range.