Canadian Ross MkIII Sniper Rifle with Warner & Swasey Scope

Published on March 11, 2020
Duration: 10:24

This review details the rare Canadian Ross MkIII sniper rifle, noting its high accuracy despite early WWI reliability issues. It highlights the American Warner & Swasey Model 1913 5x prismatic scope, its limitations like fogging, and its calibration for .303 British up to 2400 yards. The excellent condition of many surviving rifles is attributed to their use in Canadian training through 1942, and scope cases can offer significant historical provenance.

Quick Summary

The Canadian Ross MkIII sniper rifle was retained for its high accuracy despite trench reliability issues, paired with the American Warner & Swasey M1913 5x prismatic scope calibrated for .303 British up to 2400 yards. Many survive in excellent condition due to post-WWI Canadian training use.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare Ross MkIII Sniper
  2. 00:30Historical Context: WWI Service & Reliability
  3. 01:58Warner & Swasey M1913 Scope Overview
  4. 03:011915 Production & Canadian Training Rifles
  5. 05:27Scope Markings & Calibrations (.303 British)
  6. 07:55Scope Case Provenance & Soldier Link

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Canadian Ross MkIII rifle kept for sniping in WWI despite infantry issues?

The Ross MkIII was retained for sniping roles because, despite experiencing reliability problems in the demanding trench conditions faced by infantry, it possessed exceptionally high inherent accuracy, making it suitable for precise long-range engagements.

What were the main limitations of the Warner & Swasey M1913 scope used on the Ross MkIII sniper rifle?

The Warner & Swasey Model 1913 'Musket Sight' was a 5x prismatic scope that suffered from significant issues with fogging and poor sealing against the elements, which could impair visibility during critical moments.

How accurate was the Canadian Ross MkIII sniper rifle with its scope?

The Ross MkIII sniper rifle, equipped with the Warner & Swasey scope, was calibrated for .303 British ammunition out to an impressive 2400 yards, indicating a design focused on long-range precision.

Why do many Ross MkIII rifles appear in excellent condition?

Many Ross MkIII rifles, particularly sniper variants, were manufactured in 1915 and 1917 batches and remained in Canada for training purposes until as late as 1942, leading to less wear and tear compared to combat-issued rifles.

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