Canadian Ross Mk III Rifle M-10 M10 Straight Pull Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1600
LSB#: 210722TS89
Make: Ross Rifle Company, Canada
Model: Mk III or M-10
Serial Number: None
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 / 9” and with a “crown / crossed flags / DCP” Dominion of Canada proof. The barrel shank is marked with inspection stamps and with a Dominion of Canada proof. The safety lever is marked “SAFE READY”.
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, stacking loop, 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 rear of the handguard shows cracks that flex slightly when pressure is applied. The stock shows several scrapes & scratches. Somel of the marks have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The most prominent marks are on the handguard. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original. The front of the barrel has been touched up with black paint.
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are light grey and the rifling is deep. There is fouling and frosting at the muzzle and in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The front of the barrel has been touched up with black paint. Much of the black paint has been lost to scrapes & scratches. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The top of the barrel shows thinning. The bolt assembly shows light surface erosion. 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.