Canadian Ross MkIII Sniper Rifle with Warner & Swasey Scope

[@KB_Prime]

A bit of background on the scope's original owner: Patrick Augustine Bates, r/n 234399 was born August 04, 1889 at Sydney Nova Scotia. Two brothers served with the 25th (Nova Scotia) Battalion, one of whom died at Vimy Ridge.. He enlisted with the 203rd (Winnipeg Rifles) Battalion on March 23, 1916 at Winnipeg. Went to England with the 203rd aboard SS Grampian from Halifax to Liverpool, October 24 to November 04, 1916. Posted to Bramshott Camp on arrival. Posted to the 78th (Winnipeg Grenadiers) Battalion on December 28, 1916 and proceeded to France. Joined the 78th on January 04, 1917 at Vimy Ridge near Souchez. Seriously wounded on November 06, 1918 in the left arm, (compound fractures of Radius, Ulna, and some Metacarpels of left hand), back and left thigh by gunshots and shrapnel while crossing the Grand Honelle River near Quarouble. By successfully crossing the river, the 78th became the first CEF unit to enter Belgium. That night, the battalion went into reserve in billets near Anzin, and did not see any more combat before the Armistice. Bates was invalided to England on November 11, 1918, and spent the next six months in hospital. He returned to Canada in May 1919, and was admitted to the Dominion Orthopaedic Hospital at Toronto. His left arm was not healing as hoped, and he had severe movement limits. On July 11, 1919, his left arm was amputated below the elbow. He remained in hospital in Toronto until January 1920, when he was transferred to Halifax. He was discharged as medically unfit at Halifax on January 30, 1920. Bates died at Halifax on February 24, 1976.

[@joshy7759]

And to think some German guy died or had a hospital visit on the other side of this story. WW1 is a mess. I truly can't even comprehend the fact that there were MILLIONS of stories like this to come out of just four years in history. Thanks for the history, (you and Ian!) it always makes me look at these in a different light when I have a story with them. (A pistol, I believe, had a similar treatment on here.)

[@TooPassionate]

Excellent research Kris. Is there any way I can contact you? JOHN

[@robertladd6762]

Thank you Patrick Augustine Bates I'm Lakota we recognize and honor warriors,know that you are both

[@AK47Bait]

KB-Prime you beat me to it! Great work.

[@aronk8810]

"There were issues with the Ross" It's only March, and Ian is already putting in a solid contender for understatement of the year.

[@Flaming1100]

It would have worked fine as long as no one took it outdoors.

[@jackandersen1262]

Flaming1100 and put shit ammo into them, or used them anywhere outside the target range.

[@JungleScene]

@@Flaming1100 or put a bayonet on it

[@jackandersen1262]

PureRushXevus the Ross rifle was a very good target rifle which in matches against other military rifles made people question if this was actually a military rifle, given how accurate it was. This however resulted in a rifle that was not fit for the front lines and it showed, badly.

[@mrdanforth3744]

In Gordon Sinclair's book Footloose in India, he says he was surprised that the Canadian Ross rifle was a favorite of Indian big game hunters especially for tiger shooting. Apparently they were an excellent rifle but did not tolerate dirt, mud, lack of maintenance and bad ammunition. These were not a problem with the big game hunters but were a problem in trench warfare. It seems the Ross was developed as a sporting rifle and in that role worked well.

[@l00t3R]

I love it when there is actually documented history with the piece.

[@GeraudRulz]

I bet the owner of that scope and rifle has looked everywhere to try and find the matching serial number. Getting off by only 4 digits is pretty close at least.

[@john-paulsilke893]

That might actually be an “original” rifle. I have witnessed DM’s and even on one occasion an actual sniper testing out a bunch of rifles and swapping parts with other soldiers until they were satisfied. He may have found someone in his company who’s rifle “felt/shot” better and swapped with him. I would have readily traded my bcg or even whole rifle, (obviously after the arsenal sgt approved) with such a person.

[@colemanmoore9871]

Since that scope was likely in the war and the rifle didn't leave Canada, the rifle might have been destroyed or damaged in combat.

[@john-paulsilke893]

Coleman Moore it could have been an over seas trainer or since it was a sniper very gently handled. Very odd to find near consecutive serial numbers from rifles so far apart at issue. When we switched from FN’s to C7’s many Canadians in the same unit had consecutive serial rifles. Even six or seven years later when I joined up there were still a few sometimes at platoon level with consecutive digits. However they could simply have accurized a serial range and thus every gun plus or minus 100 or so digits could all be snipers making this far more likely then it seems on the surface.

[@carlgustav2982]

@@john-paulsilke893 My driver and I had rifles with consecutive serial numbers from 2013-2015.

[@althesmith]

I have a Nova Scotia soldier's diary from 1916 with the following poem: "There once was a raw young galoot, A Canadian Militia Recruit, His Ross Rifle one day In disgust threw away, He wanted a gun that would shoot."

[@donlahey1734]

The history you bring to the table with your research is priceless!!!

[@keithferguson7779]

WW1 deadliest sniper Canadian Francis Pegahmagabow used the much-maligned Ross rifle and was credited with killing 378 Germans and capturing 300 more.

[@wingracer1614]

Much maligned in infantry use but may very well have been the best sniper in WWI

[@thomasmcfaul875]

A true ghost in the trenches

[@robertmccardle5113]

my choice for the five dollar bill.

[@ramonandrajo6348]

Riiiiiiiiiiiight. ;)

[@silverseth7]

When the Ammo's made-to-spec instead of British retooled-left-overs

[@VE4SIG]

Small world (war). My grandfather was in the 78th (Winnipeg Grenadiers) and was at Vimy Ridge where he was wounded. While convalescing in Blighty he met my Grandmother. He was a Lewis Gun Section Commander (so I watched the Lewis Gun video with great interest). His brother (also in the 78th) was lost (literally) at Vimy.

[@JohnCenaRektU]

"F, K", says Ian pointing at the two carved out rectangulars

[@AshleyPomeroy]

Clear as a crisp spring morning. It never fails.

[@a.rogers1403]

@@AshleyPomeroy Good to know I wasn't the only one thinking "F.K. . . . In the coffee" !

[@itsconnorstime]

I do like the Warner and Swasey scopes. They look so dumb in a cool kind of way.

[@LoneWolf051]

the ultimate Steampunk scopes

[@BleedingUranium]

And for all the issues Ian listed, a five-power magnification is pretty fantastic for WWI.

[@itsconnorstime]

@@BleedingUranium pretty good for WW2 as well, most were 4x at most

[@chuckcochran8599]

They do look unique. Warned &Swasey's are a really ahead of there time in concept. It's too bad that the technology of coated lenses and Nitrogen purging weren't in use at the time. It might have improved how they worked a great deal (a lot of early scopes had similar issues). The offset mount was an issue that one wonders why the didn't figure that it affected function like it did, though part of that was an Ordinance ignorance issue as they insisted upon stripper clip recharging, which really wasn't needed for the snipers. Such a rare gun that one wouldn't want to alter it, but I can't help but wonder how the Ross would perform with a decent modern scope on it.

[@kevinoliver3083]

​@@BleedingUraniumGiven that most WW1 sniping took place at 300yds, or less, 5x was unnecessary and does not compensate for the Warner & Swasey's disadvantages.

[@johnlatham6213]

If you haven't already, I highly suggest reading Herbert McBride's "A Rifleman Went To War". He used the Ross as a front line weapon and also as a sniper weapon. He served as a Captain in the Indiana National Guard but accepted a position as a Private in the Canadian Army. He took part in the Battle of Ypres (he pronounced wipers). Great book. May be available from the NRA library.

[@BROTRRer]

Fireplace guy: "I have an impressive collection of rare firearms" Shelves guy: "hold my beer"

[@Foxymoron88]

Would love to see 9-hole reviews put one of these through its paces on the practical accuracy course!

[@VexChoccyMilk]

Short episode ;)

[@minuteman4199]

That's exactly what I said...before I scrolled down and saw your comment. Great minds think alike.

[@derekheuring2984]

Thank you for very interesting video on the Ross MkIII sniper rifle Ian. I recently purchased a near mint Ross MkIII that was one of the thousand that were built in Early 1914 and eventually ended up in the hands of the British Home Guard. Owning one of these rifles was very important and meaningful to me as three brothers whom I’m related to served with the 100th Battalion of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and would have most certainly been issued a Ross initially. All three of my relatives survived the war, although one was wounded and spent some time in a French hospital. Once again, thank you!

[@turbogerbil2935]

Good relevant read is "A Rifleman went to war" by Herbert W McBride. A US citizen who joined the Canadian army and went to France. Apart from being an excellent and engaging wartime account and social observation, the book is an important reference for firearms historians because McBride was both a sniper and a machine gunner, and gives a first-hand account of those weapon systems in use. He did use a Ross with a W&S scope. IIRC he describes tightening the scope mount by jamming a bit of razor blade into the slide and allowing it to rust solid!.

[@lauratatsch1066]

Haven't had a chance to test if it holds zero, but mounts just fine and has nice clear glass. Centered vertically true to a plumb line with the crosshairs which is always a plus!It's a great kzbin.infoUgkxc4K63Fd5LglDMObu7-Bgapxp_ef0W8hE scope. There's no parallax adjustment or focus ring, so may be limited to 3-7x, have to see how it is on the range. Also be aware that the rings are "look through" so you can still use irons, but they are really tall if you only intend to use the optics. On a 22LR no biggie since I'm not shooting competitions or worried about a hard cheek press. Will boresight and range test, if all goes well, I'll leave it at that!

[@justinheritage8935]

Francis Pegahmagabow liked this video

[@UmamiJarate]

PEGGY APPROVED

[@CooperHudgins]

I bet he did😎🇨🇦

[@qingyunwang3802]

MAN AND RIFLE A MARKSMAN AND A SCOUT REVEALED

[@viper2-168]

Qingyun Wang MOVE BETWEEN THE LINES

[@qingyunwang3802]

@@viper2-168 A SOLDIER BREAKING THE CONFINES

[@thomasmcfaul875]

MAKES HIS WAY FROM TRENCH TO TRENCH ALONE, MOVING UNDETECTED

[@bigredwolf6]

INVOKE THE SPIRIT OF THE WIND!!

[@davelavalee3265]

Francis pegahmagabow racked up 378 confirmed kills with this weapond during WW1.

[@archenema6792]

All those flathead screws. Those scopes must have been real knucklebusters on maintenance and cleaning.

[@Eddy11391]

Thank you. It was in time for guests.

[@ad2309]

Very cool. My grandfather (born 1888) went over seas during WW1 in the Canadain army. Luckly for me he wasn't a front line combatant, becasue that would have greatly reduced the chances of my being born. I temember my my Dad & uncle were talking about rifles used for hunting deer discussing the Ross and its reputation. Cheers

[@v22058]

Private Patrick Augustine Bates, Regimental number 234399 enlisted with the 203rd battalion and served with the 78th Battalion Winnipeg Grenadiers from 23 December 1916 to 6 November 1918 on which day he was wounded in the left arm and right leg. He survived the war coming back to Canada in 1919, and passed away in 1976.

[@johnmorgan1629]

Showing the rifles on the table from the side, it looks like someone has stuffed the sorting hat from Harry Potter into the rear of the scope. Or at least an old school listening trumpet.

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

WHAT? I CAN´T HEAR YOU! SOMEONE STOLE MY EAR TRUMPET!

[@johnmorgan1629]

@@Taistelukalkkuna Pardon.

[@Spartan265]

Lol you get sorted when you look through the scope. (Sorting hat voice) better be: INFANTRY!

[@ZGryphon]

That, or some U-Boat captain is standing by his partly dismantled periscope and demanding of his executive officer, "Hans, wo ist mein Okular?!"

[@haraldblotand5460]

Am I the only one here who is interested in seeing Ian's own collection. He must have had the opportunity to collect some cool guns over the years.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

He did an ad/educational for the people who put up his display wall a few years back and he did a bit of show and tell so you can see a bit of it.

[@charles_wipman]

Really nice to be able to track the unit where the rifle served.

[@chuckcochran8599]

One can't help but wonder how the Ross would perform with a really decent modern scope on it.

[@chewyduck1355]

Another video on a Ross variant. Great stuff!

[@kitso_2b68]

I've heard Mr. Bates was promoted to the rank of Master...

[@nicholaspatton5590]

Some German Sniper: Look at that God awful scope, the poor bastard. I'm not even going to shoot him. Francis Pegahmagabow, standing over the German at night: I heard you making fun of my scope, boy.

[@Theporkchopsandwhich]

@forgottenweapons cool Winnipeg Manitoba connection. Camp Hughes located near by was probably where the winnipeg grenadiers trained for trench warfare in france. The trenches are still visible today.

[@neilybobber694]

Ian is like the Bob Ross of guns... Great to listen to before bed and super informative :). Love the videos , keep it up

[@kevinoliver3083]

The Ross Mk.III snipers were also used in WW2. One reason the scopes may be mismatched is that they and the rifles were stored separately between the Wars.

[@samuel88andrews]

I wish someone would make an old fashioned military rifle like this or a mauser (full stock and adjustable irons) these days. I'd give my left kidney just to have a old style bolt gun made with modern machining and possibly even a polymer stock.

[@Prairietrucker]

Any high end hunting rifle would fit that criteria. Mauser is still made in Germany to if have the $$$$

[@ryancook6452]

You're better off having a gun Smith making you a wooden stock for any marksmanship rifle you want. It will cost you about the same. Alternatively just buy a good condition old gun. The no4 Enfields come in paper and wax wrapping if you want one brand new. The machining quality of rifles hasn't really changed, I believe the bulgarians had k98s up till the 70s

[@chrthiel]

Look for Mannlicher style stocks. The Bavarian carbine version of the SAKO 85 has a full stock

[@marcmomus]

Have a look at Purdey’s new bolt action rifle. See gunsonpegs.com. Going for merely £30,000.

[@mrb692]

Ryan cook Where can someone buy a 75 year old new rifle? Asking for a friend

[@stone9302]

Hey Ian, I know it has nothing to do with the subject of the video, but I wanted to take the moment to thank you for your fantastic book. I got it on Monday and have only skimmed it so far, but even with that small amount of reading it is the best gun book I own. Thank you.

[@Spartan265]

Man I love this channel. History and guns. Some of my favorite things.

[@johnmcgovern5372]

I couldn't help thinking of Beavis and Butthead when Ian said "Mister Bates"

[@howardchambers9679]

Greetings Master Bates.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Ian .

[@howardchambers9679]

Just read your interview with Forbes. I concur, it's about the history not the politics. Also I'm one of the 55% that isn't from the US. Keep it going Ian. Best channel on YT

[@aarondevaldez9134]

This is the video I've been waiting for!!! Thanks, Ian!

[@Bobbb-f3i]

I'm playing sniper elite 4 and just saw this rifle and that sight is fascinating

[@zacharyrollick6169]

Ian, got my books. Thanks a lot.

[@christianlight8511]

We always enjoy your videos Ian. You're the man!

[@recipio6561]

Interesting. Ian, can you do a Lee Enfield WW1 sniper rifle. The mount had to be offset to the left as well. to allow top loading ?

[@ForgottenWeapons]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5jEnaB7oqerZ9U

[@recipio6561]

@@ForgottenWeapons Just watched, many thanks. !

[@ashokf50]

Damn, the Winchester series has go tme addicted to this channel!!!

[@Sir.Craze-]

Canadian\Myself: Hey now. The British love us and absolutely would have supplied us with scop... British Gentleman: YOU SIT DOWN AND SHUT YOUR BLOODY MOUTH COLONIAL! I'll tell you when you're to be heard from. Canadian: Indeed, Sir. They are your optics after all. Much pardons, your honour. You see, sir. I used your spelling of *"honour"* not the American, so you know how much we appreciate all the wonderful things you gave us, Sir! Hmm... Maybe I get your point... 🤔

[@thisTG]

I mean, Canada was a Dominion and not a Colony at this point. There is a difference, though it doesn't include complete independence...

[@dellawrence4323]

Well, you are right about one thing, I am British and we do love or Canadian brothers, they are our oldest and most loyal allies. also as the gentleman below points out, during WW1 Canada was a Dominion and not a Colony.

[@someguy3766]

Quite colonial, insubordination shall not be tolerated by the Motherland. God save the queen whatho!

[@skylongskylong1982]

xXSir.CrazeXx Now this question has nothing to do with firearms, but as a Canadian you might be able to answer this Modern Canadian history question. When Canada changed its flag design in 1964, was there a National vote asking the Canadian people, as happened In New Zealand last year , or did elected Government just change it ? The latter piece of information I cannot find anywhere .

[@jhint1929]

Canadians have the English stamp of approval from me.

[@AK47Bait]

Private Patrick Augustine Bates is recorded to have been born on 4 August 1889 at Sydney, Nova Scotia to Mark Joseph Bates (b. 1851) and Mary Jane Burke (1854-1929). He enlisted with the 203rd Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force on 23 March 1916 at Winnipeg, Manitoba. He indicated on his attestation papers he was resident at Mansion House, Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba and was an unmarried farmer. He had no previous military experience. He stood 5 feet and 5 and one half inches tall and weighed 125 pounds upon his enlistment and indicated his was of the Roman Catholic Faith. Of note, the birth year for this soldier was initially written as 1899, making him 19-years old at enlistment but it was amended to 1889 later. The nature of this error is unknown. He served with the 203rd O/S Battalion until transferred to a combat unit. His battalion arrived in England aboard the SS Grampian on 4 November 1916. He was transferred to the 78th Battalion on 28 December 1916 at Bramshott Military Camp. The 78th Battalion (Winnipeg Grenadiers) was formed 10 July 1915 and arrived in Britian 20 May 1916 and began its overseas service on 13 August 1916. He was part of the 12th Brigade, 4 Division of the Canadian Corps. He was awarded a Good Conduct Badge and a Military Medal for his service on 23 March 1918. Reference London Gazette. No. 31142 dated 24 January 1919. He was wounded in action on 6 November 1918 according to his service record, just five days before the Armistice was signed. The 78th Battalion War diary does not list any soldiers wounded or killed on that day, but on the previous day it was engaged with against the Germans near River Grand Rhonelle and suffered 1 KIA and 20 wounded while taking 90 German prisoners and capturing German machine guns. With his wounding he was returned to England for treatment and was invalided to Canada on 23 May 1919. He was wounded in his left hand and right thigh. Returning to Canada he is listed as being on strength at Military District No. 2, Toronto, Ontario for treatment and rehabilitation of his wounds at Dominion Orthopedic Hospital and then transferred to Cogwell Military Hospital, Halifax Nova, Scotia on 26 January 1920. During his treatment it was apparent his left hand and wrist would not heal as the bones were fused. His left arm was amputated on 10 August 1919 and he was sent to Toronto to have an artificial arm fitted. During his stay at hospital he was AWL and "admonished" but the officer commanding. He was discharged from service on 30 January 1920 at Halifax, Nova Scotia with the rank of Private. He did indicate where he planned to reside as he planned to return home to Sydney, Nova Scotia. His records show he lived at 110 Intercolonial Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia and his place of residence was later amended to 17 North Park Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1922. He married Emma Florence Johnson at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 18 September 1935 He died on 24 February 1976 at Fairview Villa, Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is buried at the Fort Massey Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Notes: The 78th Battalion war diary may contain entries about this soldier but most CEF war diaries only listed other rank names and service numbers for specific acts of valour or similar. His service record appears to make no mention of his role as a sniper. This position was considered a step above a common soldier and generally was a separate unit from the main battalion body with an officer overseeing their care and deployment.

[@jorisvanoeffel4721]

This weapon was OP in BF1

[@bl4cksp1d3r]

I enjoy the SMLE more. Especially with the 2x magnification. But yeah, it was, just like that darn Obrez pistol >:c

[@onemoblzo]

Facts

[@hoosker1620]

I hope he writes another book on British or American firearms

[@robertladd6762]

Thanks Ian keep up the good work,love it

[@spectrumstudios4848]

This is my favorite rifle in bf1. Its good to know that there are ww1 sniper rifles still around.

[@AnonymousAlcoholic772]

Just saw the forbes article. Outstanding! Should really help your exposure in a good way.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very Cool Canadian Ross MKIII sniper Rifles !!!!!!!!!!!!! Interesting scope too.

[@minuteman4199]

It'd be nice to see what 9 Hole Review could do with one of those.

[@bucky5206]

That and caf never gets rid of anything till it's completely wore out eg. We still use high powers

[@danieldalessandro96]

He doesn't just find 1. No no, he finds 2...

[@TheNightlessFall]

francis pegahmagabow: *Happy noise*

[@themeatpopsicle]

2400 yards, huh? Were snipers hitting targets out to that distance or was it just very very optimistic?

[@mrkeogh]

Harassing snipes?

[@moosemaimer]

The _math_ says the bullet will go that far, when fired at that angle... the likelihood of _seeing_ a target at that range with such a low-power optic is almost as low as your chances of hitting it.

[@lancesoterion435]

Theoretically to harass artillery crews.

[@vrisbrianm4720]

This scope was used in sporting rifle before the War.

[@wingracer1614]

I believe the first ever confirmed kill by a sniper at or over 2400 yards was a Canadian in 2002.

[@elite1003]

I no no one will believe me but those are my grand fathers guns can't believe I missed meeting Ian lol

[@TotallyNotRedneckYall]

If my grandpa met gun jesus and didn't bring me I'd be pissed 🔥🤬🔥

[@rageinthekage4247]

My Father would have trained with those in 1941 - 42, before being issued his Enfield. Cool.

[@PRACERZ]

Thanks for another great history lesson !!!

[@hellion1770]

Very interesting big thanks to the owner.

[@danielburgess7785]

Can't talk about Vimy Ridge without talking about chlorine gas.

[@JTViper]

Or the Creeping Barrage... Or the groundbreaking use of radio communications from spotter aircraft... Or the widespread usage of and training on maps issued to small units... Vimy was revolutionary in so many ways.

[@danielburgess7785]

@@JTViper None of those things should be forgotten, nor what I mentioned. History is a messy dish.

[@Spitsz01]

Reminds me of Joseph Boyden's "'Through Black Spruce'".

[@joelvburke]

I really appreciate that you show Canadian history so much love!

[@shawnr771]

Nice looking rifles.

[@braydenhennigar9334]

I have a Ross Rifle M-10 PLY 4453 and I would love to put a Warner and Swasey Scope on it. I know the company is out of business and a lot of these are hard to find so I haven't found a scope yet.

[@johnfisk811]

Could one reason why the USA versions were marked to a longer range be that they were also for machine gun mounting so would expect to be used at the longer ranges?

[@Moondog66602]

Congratulations on the Forbes article Ian!

[@kimshaw9799]

It would be cool to track down the family of that Canadian soldier. See if there is more information or history!

[@TooPassionate]

I made a minor effort and was told he had no children. Anyone in NS want to take a shot at finding family? I hear there was a sister. Would love to have a photo. I'm the owner of the scope. JOHN

[@asimseth1927]

Excellent collection of videos on the Ross. However my request of doing a video on the Ross Sporter MK-II in .35 Winchester is still pending

[@dposcuro]

First, he needs to find someone who has it. Preferably someone who has several other firearms worth covering as well, or at least in the same city or area as another collector/collection that has firearms to film, that will let him film them. He and the collector have to find time to do the filming, which is 2-3 days or so, etc, etc. In otherwords, it could take a very long time before he finds one to film. Course, the second part is...is it worth covering an action he has done in fairly decent depth, just because it is in a different caliber? I mean, here is the MK. II rifle covered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKKmoYKpqpp0o5Y Unless the .35 Winchester rifle has some unique differentiation about it, or if it of particularly interesting history? What more is Ian going to be able to say of it?

[@Hubert_Cumberdale_]

Isn't that the exact same scope that is in bf1?

[@ProbablyTooLoud]

Everything WWI is pretty darn rare these days. Trench warfare, gas, madness.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

Nah, you can still get a good supply of madness, they just changed the name and wrapping to improve sales.

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@voiceofraisin3778 and gas can be found about 30 minutes after visiting a taco bell.

[@Whitpusmc]

2400 yards with that scope seems a bit on the optimistic side to me.....

[@mrleger45]

Am I the only one that wishes I had Ian’s job?

[@noahcount7132]

Interesting presentation except for disappointment that there was no mention of the type of reticle installed in these Canadian issue Warner & Swasey optics.

[@therugburnz]

Not directly about weapons but what was Warner &Swasey's main business? When I worked at a "metal grinding" factory I ran a machine they called a "Swasey" it was labeled " Warner and Swasey Chucker and Drill". I also ran a "gun drill" but we didn't make guns. Was Warner & Swasey a conglomerate that made machines that made o the things like optics or did they buy an optics company?

[@wingracer1614]

They were a machine tool company that also made fine instruments. Their best known products were their turret lathes and astronomical telescopes.

[@therugburnz]

@@wingracer1614 Thanx .

[@SNOUPS4]

What was the number on the scope mount for the 1917 rifle, please?

[@alanfhall6450]

Hi Ian, I hate to criticize but you might want to check the spelling in your video title... 'Warney'? Too many years spent proofreading, I'm afraid :-( Love the channel, as always, keep up the good work.

[@lajarus8849]

If I did the math right, (99.99% sure I DIDN’T) then the first rifle would be 141,099

[@SouthCatBoy99]

Battlefield 1 brought me the attention of this rifle, very nice 👍🏻

[@michaelexman5474]

I have thought about about the evolution of firearms sights!!!

[@possargedwins998]

Looks am... ah... futuristic!

[@maxschindler3535]

Great video

[@rubbybobinson3543]

Great video.

[@randywatson8347]

Nice condition.

[@theblackberets3379]

I wish I owned any gun worthy of being presented by Gun Jesus.

[@tomunterwegs1206]

zip .22? you said "any" 🤪

[@GunsNGames1]

What I wish I that Gun Jesus already touched it: PSG-1 FAMAS F1 Mk. 23 SOCOM Walther WA2000 FN FAL Franchi SPAS-12 Gewehr 43 MP40 MG42 And so many more. I'm a fanatic for Cold War era battle and assault rifles.

[@Porkleaker]

Memeber when Canada made the Garand?

[@rpm1796]

Great history.

[@TreyWait]

Check out C&Rsenal's episode on the Ross rifle, it's pretty funny.

[@joearnold6881]

A couple hundred doesn’t seem like many for a war like wwi, and yet they didn’t even send all of that tiny amount?

[@kevinoliver3083]

A lot Ross rifles were modified as snipers overseas. Either by Canadian armourers or commercial gunsmiths in the UK.

[@Cacowninja]

So it's just a regular Canadian Ross MkIII Sniper Rifle with a scope?

[@chrishuab2364]

Hey Ian, how much research is typically needed to trace the history of a specific firearm? Especially the manufactured quantities and serial numbers for older guns like these?

[@ScottKenny1978]

Depends on the gun. 1911 pistols, for example, actually have a website where you can check years of manufacture versus serial numbers. Any 1911 with a serial number under 700,000 iirc, was made during WW1.

[@brainkill7034]

Why would anyone downvote this? O.o

[@DeNihility]

Are you sure the scopes haven't just been worn-out by time?

[@Bartholomeow141]

so i have a 1917 lee enfield is there a place i can run the serial number and track it's history?.. i'm extremely curious to know where it's been and the story it holds

[@sturmwatcher9928]

How common was soldiers scribing or scratching their data into their weapons? And did it happen on both sides of WW2 for example

[@Spartan265]

Probably common. As a way to be identified should they be killed in battle and so torn up that you can't tell who it is.

[@danendicott]

Great vid!! i would love one! my # matching mosin PU is cool and gritty, but one of these would be sweet and smooth!

[@alberthofmann420]

How could it be that your comment is over two weeks old?

[@alberthofmann420]

@@ДушманКакдела What?

[@duncanmcgee13]

@@alberthofmann420 members get to watch 2 weeks early

[@dankdark974]

@@alberthofmann420 patreon members get to see it early

[@danendicott]

Didnt even get to reply lol gezz. Couldn't let me try and pull a time traveler joke or something.

[@bobbyhood101]

The Russians received some and rebuilt them and their Olympic shooting team used them to win several post war (ww2) competitions.

[@dbaider9467]

Very interesting.