Zach H.

De Winton, Alberta

Calgary Regional Heritage School Fair

The Ross Rifle

My project is on the Ross rifle that was in use in the Canadian military. It was different than other rifles because of its bolt design but also had many problems that came with it. 

 

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned was that if you mis-assembled the bolt it could blow back and hit the shooter. It would do this because the bolt would not lock in the gun and the force of the bullet would push the bolt back at the shooter.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I would like to share that though the Ross had many problems in the trenches it was still a great sporting rifle and was a good weapon when it wasn't used in the trenches or muddy conditions.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

In comparing the life of Canadian soldiers in the First World War and soldiers of our modern military today I can say that warfare has changed drastically. For example, our military now has better weapons than the soldiers in the First World War had guns such as the Ross rifle that were single shot. Soldiers in the First World War also fought in trenches whereas modern warfare is conducted in areas such as small towns.