Thread: Pair of Ross Rifle projects

Originally Posted by 30.06king

Hi @grandpamac ,
Appreciate the background and insight. My question was basically driven by curiosity re the mechanics of the action. The OP posted great pics but I still couldn't figure out every feature incorporated into this action and I wanted to know. I know Ross rifles ( among other older types ) remain well regarded by knowledgeable shooters right up to today so they must have something quite unique going for them.
I haven't done so but I guess I should find some reading on the topic that might fill in my knowledge gaps.
Please feel free to add more of your own wisdom if so inclined.

Greetings,
I found a picture of the Ross bolt face and it would probably be classed as a controlled round feed. Worshiping rifles with controlled round feed is pretty much a US thing due to their experience with the Springfield, Enfield and Pre 64 Winchester Model 70. The feature was developed by Mauser to stop jams caused by raw soldiers short stroking the bolt. Some think it is the best thing since sliced bread but it does have some problems. The most recent one of these is difficulty of feeding the short fat cartridges or those the action was not designed for. The US made actions mentioned often had a coned breech and poor gas handling meaning the action was not as safe as others if a case ruptured. This was more common in earlier times. None of this applies to the Mauser actions.
Regards Grandpamac.