In the mud (Patreon)

Amanda ducked down in the shell crater as a burst of fire from a Maxim sent mud flying above her.  Rising to a kneeling position the skunk raised her rifle and gave the bolt of her Ross Rifle a yank and felt the action resist. Cursing in frustration she gave the bolt a firmer yank. Finally the action relented and the empty .303 cartridge was ejected from the rifle.  Slamming the straight-pull action forward she chambered another round. With her rifle reloaded she paused for a moment. Then she continued sprinting across the mud of Flanders. 

      Patron reward for J. McDermott.  Amanda Carpenter is the patron's OC. 

     The Ross Rifle has an almost legendary reputation for being a bad rifle. Some of it is well deserved, but some of it pure internet BS. About 6 year ago Ian at Forgotten Weapons did a very good video exploring some mechanical issues of the RossMK III Rifle. Link  Othais  and May at C&Rensal did a longer video about the individuals who permitted the rifle to go into service in the first place. Link Finally Rob at British Muzzleloaders did a very good, and very Canadian, video about this infamous rifle. Link   

Note. Forgotten Weapons, C&Rensal, and British Muzzleloaders all have Patreon pages. I support Forgotten Weapons and C&Rensal directly and hope to be able to support  British Muzzleloaders in the future. It's because of their research that I am able to get the information that helps me create the artwork that many of you enjoy so much.