The Mk III Ross: Introduction

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Here we delve into some background and usage of that most infamous Canadian service rifle.
C&Rsenal's Ross video - • History of WWI Primer ...
Forgotten Weapons' video - • Myth and Reality of th...
Laurence and Shedtime Leather - / shedtimecrafts
For your Martini and Snider needs email Martyn at [e-mail]
For your P53 Enfield Rifle-Musket or Short Rifle ammunition needs, Contact Brett at - www.papercartridges.com
And for further reading on all British Victorian (and earlier) arms stop by the British Militaria Forum and say hello. britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com

[@Bikerbob59]

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.

[@banhammer7243]

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.

[@randym6439]

Herbert McBride, in his book on WW1 sniping, mentioned the Ross quite a bit if I recall correctly.

[@88porpoise]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lefr33man]

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.

[@MeanBeanKerosene]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you kindly!

[@EldarKinSlayer]

Over the years, my KZbin 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is very kind of you to say so. Thank you, indeed.

[@superfamilyallosauridae6505]

Gun Jesus is very much out to make money, and has made quite a bit. But frankly, good for him.

[@ghost1841]

England: "No, we won't give you rifles" Canada: *Decides to produce own rifle* England: "Wait, that's illegal!"

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Rather complicated, for sure.

[@rogermurphy3474]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

[@CigarManGarth]

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.

[@jameswells554]

Well at least you didn't waste the coffee by doing a spit; an unexpected benefit.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lisar3006]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@Procket12]

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

[@dragonsword7370]

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.

[@robosoldier11]

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.

[@johnfisk811]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Interesting, as most of your little tidbits are, John! Thanks for sharing!

[@SmittyMRE]

Quality, through and through. I enjoy the very Canadian Mars bar reference. Those yanks can keep their Milky Ways ;)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha! indeed!

[@andrewrodgers2180]

Coffee Crisp & Mars made the Empire great

[@Pulsatyr]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh, I appreciate it, for sure!

[@jeremyhannaford1306]

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.

[@WgCdrLuddite]

Aye. My Grandads Home Guard unit in Yorkshire also had the Ross.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The HG used whatever they could get their hands on, for sure!

[@liamclarke1196]

I love this story did thay think it was a civilian rifle or a training rifle

[@WgCdrLuddite]

@@liamclarke1196 No. They were fully trained to kill Nazis with it.

[@jeremyhannaford1306]

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.

[@TheLoxxxton]

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!!

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Let me guess, Gun Moses and Mary is C&Rsenal?

[@TheLoxxxton]

@@Tadicuslegion78 😀👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!

[@dalokohs3901]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes it is! I was approached by them to include it in the article.

[@TheOz91]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hahaha!

[@colbydaddy4414]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Productive life, then!

[@ralphwatten2426]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

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!

[@Nick-rs5if]

I just love the look of the Ross Mark III. EDIT: The sights likewise looks really nice to aim with.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The sights are really good, yes... if a bit hard to read (with my eyes)

[@1.forestrunner]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@General.Longstreet]

Your videos just get better and better . Absolutely superb!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@jimnugent9606]

Thank you for this excellent presentation and for sharing your experiences with the Ross. Excellent attention to detail as always.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gr8990]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Awesome, thank you!

[@KyleOfCanada]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simplymadness8849]

Phenomenal production quality on these videos. The Ross rifle is such an elegant weapon.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@bismarckbismarck6352]

Excellent video as always, every time you post my day becomes just a bit better!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind!

[@DevinK]

Rob, you have outdone yourself again sir. I look forward to the next parts in the series. Keep up the good work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Devin!

[@pmjn0943]

you have done it again, Brilliant historical video, very interesting.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@MrRedbeard762]

An excellent review of the history of both the rifle and its application. Thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@michaelflynn3970]

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!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! Very kind words!

[@chrism.131]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is very kind of you to say so. Glad you are enjoying it! Thank you.

[@windogendoors7566]

One of my favorite military rifles of all time even though it has some problems. Great video sir.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@SafetyProMalta]

Documentary quality Rob. Fantastic work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MadRobexe]

As allways you provide great and informative content.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cheesenoodles8316]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you !

[@McNubbys]

Having watched both of the videos you mention, yours sits in well with them, well done😊

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@medicineman360]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@TheArmourersBench]

Cracking video Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Matt!

[@normanrea8146]

Excellent presentation. Very informative. I've seen other "Ross" videos,so I had a modicum of interest and knowledge

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@freddieellis8449]

I am so jealous of the beautiful place you go to shoot! You're a lucky man, Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am lucky, yes!

[@bbbushhh]

Fantastic video on a fantastic channel....thanks from the BC Interior...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@navyens19]

Really Enjoy your videos. Your series on the No4 MK1 Lee Enfield helped me decide to get one.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear!

[@brianmoore1820]

Yet another great video/demonstration on the old Ross.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Bryan!

[@Capellix0001]

Very knowledgeable and entertaining!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@schmit6576]

I have been awaiting this since I saw your update video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@EoineyMTX125]

Brilliant video great to see the rifle accompanied with era uniform.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertsansone1680]

As usual, you answered the questions that I had. Thanks Again

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@nocturnalemission6822]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

LUCK! Congratulations in your decision!

[@nocturnalemission6822]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Many thanks my friend!

[@derekheuring2984]

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!

[@andrewvisser7630]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@GreenBeretUSA]

Great work brother, I love your content and your uniforms, keep it coming.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@richrumble]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@josephwdutton]

I just want to say, you makes some awesome content. You and Ian at forgotten weapons are my favorite youtube gun channels.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers.

[@Russianpaintrain]

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

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is very kind of you.. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@tyrvidar]

That bolt is something, very cool, looks so smooth in action

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It is.

[@Bloatlord_the_Magnificent]

Excellent video! Great way to start my day.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@NihilsineDeo1866.]

Nice video mate, For King and Country!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@cesarortiz2143]

Well sir, great thanks from your next door neighbor. Thank you for your time and efforts to preach the knowledge. 😁

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jacoklopper4772]

Fantastic information! Thank you for a great video

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome.

[@TheRoger7252000]

Yet another fantastic film, another old rifle I now want to shoot it!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@Badwolf75]

Another great video. Thanks again

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@rosssmithies8331]

Entertaining and informative as always good sir, many thanks!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@colonialdad1]

Once again, Thank you. Very informative getting better education all the time,

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@m1911legend]

Video so good i just had to watch it twice ! Best regards from québec !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That's good news! Cheers from the other side of the country!

[@lesslisilverman]

Excellent vid.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@exohead1]

As a general fan of Canadian small arms, you have no idea how excited I am about this video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@stunan6993]

BGS liked the high riding kilt!! Yummy knees brother!! Great video!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hahahaha!

[@joelmacdonald6994]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@A14b19]

Excellent as always 👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ilfarmboy]

love the humor in these video

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear!

[@stuartmoody3518]

Another great video. Stuart

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Stuart!

[@larryjenkinson4789]

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

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Perhaps, yes!

[@dmw1262]

Another successful "operation". Congratulations, and thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@cannonfodder4376]

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. ;)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There will be more Ross content for sure!

[@andrewsteele7663]

Brilliant, I had never seen or heard anything of note on the Ross rifle, will be looking for one now, cheer's

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reubendobbs8011]

Very interesting and informative, my grandad used a Ross mk3 in the homeguard.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@RhodeIslandWildlife]

Very well done, thank you sir.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@ltjamescoopermason8685]

Interesting and entertaining, thanks for sharing this information.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chestertnted]

Nice seeing you on C&Rsenal introducing the Ross.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Ross? or the Long Lee?

[@MrCayoCoco]

Smashing video. !!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@julieblundell7421]

Hello Rob, excellent video mate, loved it, Lee.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Lee!

[@TheWolfsnack]

Nice to hear The Maple Leaf Forever playing in the background....

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@lanceleader2]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BennettIsAmazing]

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!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear, sir! Thanks for sharing your family's history!

[@thomasbiel7741]

Great video. Thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teeeeeey]

I have wanted this for a long, long time.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for hanging around for it!

[@remko1238]

As always,, such a pleasuret: to learn watch enjoy & smile 👏🏿

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@P61guy61]

I love your videos. Thank you for posting. Up late eehhhh.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You gotta do what you gotta do!

[@tykellerman6384]

Interesting history thanks for the video great deatail🤠👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome.

[@maxbachynsky7045]

Thanks for the content. Well done friend.

[@maxbachynsky7045]

Also when you show the difficulty while using the charger clips know that it is not just your rifle. We have one in great shape, it was so jarring I wasn't sure if I was using the right ones and gave up.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@pepsicola60]

Great Video, I love anything chambered in 303 Brit

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@zee7056]

The 1,400:1 like/dislike ratio is a testament to the quality of the information in the video. Great work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you kindly!

[@dennis2376]

Another great video. I fired a Ross rifle in cadets, that was in the 1970s I am not that old. :).

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@jor2814]

Excellent.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tommygun6028]

I love History and Your Channel is Awesome. !!!!!!!!!!!!! I watched in pain how You dropped the rifle on the rocks.....😢 Thanks for Sharing.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@lib556]

Great vid. I missed it first time round. At min 24, during the slow motion run down, you almost gave the ladies a thrill.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Almost..... 😀 Careful editing saved the day...

[@rogermurphy3474]

Don't forget, it is not YOUR rifle, you are keeping a piece of history to pass on to the next generation....

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I know, I know,..... 🙂

[@Bikerbob59]

Great video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@vonsprague7913]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very nice to shoot! Cheers.

[@canicheenrage]

Outstanding vid. Well, not compared to your others. Keep it up.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind.

[@derekmcnulty2559]

just found your channel. awesome!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@teamgodmode7197]

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 ;)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They are out there...

[@vernonfindlay1314]

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.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!