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Musgrave Rifle History By Serial Number
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Cathy Eschen
Dec 9, 2023, 8:48:45 AM12/9/23
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Musgrave rifle history by serial number
If you are a collector or enthusiast of South African firearms, you may be interested in the Musgrave rifle history by serial number. The Musgrave rifles are a series of bolt-action target and hunting rifles that were produced in South Africa from the 1950s to the 1990s. These rifles have their roots in target shooting and were designed for full-bore target shooters in an era when surplus war rifles such as the LeeEnfield, LeeMetford, P14 and others were used. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of the Musgrave rifle models and how to identify and date them by serial number.
What are the Musgrave rifle models?
The Musgrave rifles were manufactured by Musgrave Ltd., a subsidiary of ARMSCOR (Armscor), the state-owned arms manufacturer of South Africa. The Musgrave facility was located in Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa, where they housed a giant gunsmithing concern. RSA actions and earlier hammer-forged barrels were manufactured at Lyttelton Engineering Works. The Musgrave rifles were mainly exported to countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
musgrave rifle history by serial number
Download Zip https://t.co/LyGocK8St6
The Musgrave rifles can be divided into two main categories: target rifles and hunting rifles. The target rifles were single-shot rifles that were based on Mauser's design and featured a controlled feed (claw) extractor. The actions had a large flat bedding area underneath and a short case extraction port. The target rifles were fitted with different barrels and sights depending on the model and the customer's preference. The hunting rifles were magazine-fed rifles that were based on the Mod 90 action, which was a modified Mauser 98 action with a push feed extractor. The hunting rifles were available in various calibers and configurations.
Some of the most popular Musgrave rifle models are:
The RSA Target Rifle: This was the first Musgrave target rifle that was introduced in the 1950s. It was designated "7,62" (7.6251mm NATO or .308 Winchester) and had a 26.5" barrel with a handguard. It had M&S 1/3 MOA rear sights or Parker Hale 1/4 MOA rear sights as an option. The stocks were made of beech wood.
The RSA Mk II Target Rifle: This was an improved version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1960s. It had a longer barrel (28") with no handguard and a heavier stock with a wider fore-end. It had Parker Hale 1/4 MOA rear sights or Warner & Swasey 1/8 MOA rear sights as an option.
The RSA Mk III Target Rifle: This was another improved version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1970s. It had a shorter barrel (24") with no handguard and a lighter stock with a narrower fore-end. It had Warner & Swasey 1/8 MOA rear sights or Redfield International Match rear sights as an option.
The RSA Mk IV Target Rifle: This was the last version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a shorter barrel (22") with no handguard and a lighter stock with a narrower fore-end. It had Redfield International Match rear sights or Anschutz Match rear sights as an option.
The Mod 90 Hunting Rifle: This was the first Musgrave hunting rifle that was introduced in the 1970s. It was based on the Mod 90 action, which was a modified Mauser 98 action with a push feed extractor. It had a detachable box magazine that could hold three or four rounds depending on the caliber. It was available in various calibers such as .222 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .375 H&H Magnum and others.
The Mod 90 Deluxe Hunting Rifle: This was an upgraded version of the Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a polished action, engraved by Armin Winkler, with gold triggers on French walnut stocks, fore-ends tipped with buffalo horn and fitted recoil pads.
The Mod 90 Supreme Hunting Rifle: This was another upgraded version of the Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a polished action, engraved by Armin Winkler, with gold triggers on French walnut stocks, fore-ends tipped with buffalo horn and fitted recoil pads. It also had gold-plated metal parts such as the bolt handle, safety catch, magazine release button and sling swivels.
How to identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number?
If you own or encounter a Musgrave rifle, you may want to know its history and date of manufacture by serial number. Unfortunately, there is no official record or database of Musgrave serial numbers that is publicly available. However, there are some clues and sources that can help you to estimate the age and origin of your Musgrave rifle by serial number.
One clue is to look at the proof marks on your Musgrave rifle. Proof marks are stamps or symbols that indicate that the rifle has been tested for safety and quality by a recognized proof house. The SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) stamped the metalwork on a proofed rifle with two proof marks in the shape of a capital letter "T" within "Springbok horns", one on the action (receiver), the other on the barrel. A SABS inspector fired a high pressure round through every rifle manufactured on Musgrave's site and signed off.
Another clue is to look at the model name or designation on your Musgrave rifle. The model name or designation can indicate when your Musgrave rifle was made or exported. For example, if your Musgrave rifle has "RSA" on it, it means that it is an RSA Target Rifle that was made between the 1950s and the 1980s. If your Musgrave rifle has "Mod 90" on it, it means that it is a Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was made between the 1970s and the 1990s.
A third clue is to look at the serial number range on your Musgrave rifle. The serial number range can indicate when your Musgrave rifle was made or exported. For example, if your Musgrave rifle has a serial number between 00001 and 10000, it means that it is an early RSA Target Rifle that was made in the 1950s or early 1960s. If your Musgrave rifle has a serial number between XMA001 and XMA003, it means that it is one of three exhibition rifles that were hand built for display in the USA in 1983-1984.
A fourth clue is to consult other sources or experts who may have more information or knowledge about Musgrave serial numbers. For example, you can check online forums or websites where other collectors or enthusiasts may share their data or experience about Musgrave serial numbers. You can also contact former employees or owners of Musgrave who may have access to records or documents about Musgrave serial numbers.
Conclusion
Musgrave rifle history by serial number is a fascinating topic that can reveal more about your South African firearm heritage. By using some clues and sources, you can identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number and learn more about its history and evolution.
What are the benefits and challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number?
Collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number can be a rewarding and challenging hobby for firearm enthusiasts. Some of the benefits and challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number are:
Benefits: You can learn more about the history and evolution of South African firearms and target shooting. You can appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of Musgrave rifles and their variations. You can own a piece of South African firearm heritage that is rare and valuable.
Challenges: You may have difficulty finding and acquiring Musgrave rifles by serial number, especially in countries where they were not exported or are restricted. You may have to deal with legal and ethical issues regarding the ownership and transfer of Musgrave rifles by serial number. You may have to invest time and money in researching, verifying and maintaining Musgrave rifles by serial number.
How to care for your Musgrave rifle by serial number?
If you own or collect a Musgrave rifle by serial number, you may want to know how to care for it properly and preserve its value and condition. Here are some tips on how to care for your Musgrave rifle by serial number:
Clean your Musgrave rifle regularly: You should clean your Musgrave rifle after every use or at least once a year. You should use a cleaning rod, patches, brushes, solvents and oils that are suitable for your Musgrave rifle caliber and model. You should follow the instructions on how to clean your Musgrave rifle safely and thoroughly.
Store your Musgrave rifle safely: You should store your Musgrave rifle in a dry, cool and secure place. You should use a gun case, rack or cabinet that protects your Musgrave rifle from dust, moisture, rust, theft and unauthorized access. You should also use a gun lock or trigger lock to prevent accidental firing.
Handle your Musgrave rifle carefully: You should handle your Musgrave rifle with respect and caution. You should always treat your Musgrave rifle as if it is loaded and never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot. You should also follow the basic rules of firearm safety such as keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, keeping your Musgrave rifle unloaded when not in use, and knowing your target and what is beyond it.
Where can you find more information about Musgrave rifle history by serial number?
If you want to find more information about Musgrave rifle history by serial number, you can use various sources and resources that are available online or offline. Some of them are:
Books: You can read books that cover the history and evolution of South African firearms and target shooting, such as "Gunsmiths of the Eastern Cape" by Dave George or "The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values" by Phillip Peterson.
Websites: You can visit websites that provide information and data about Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as https://www.jaracal.com/ or https://www.bullet-behavior.com/.
Forums: You can join forums where other collectors or enthusiasts share their knowledge and experience about Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as https://www.gunboards.com/ or https://www.gunsite.co.za/.
Museums: You can visit museums that display or exhibit Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg or the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein.
Clubs: You can join clubs that organize events or activities related to Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as the South African Bisley Union or the South African Hunters Association.
Conclusion
Musgrave rifle history by serial number is a fascinating topic that can reveal more about your South African firearm heritage. By using some clues and sources, you can identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number and learn more about its history and evolution. You can also enjoy the benefits and overcome the challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number. If you are interested in Musgrave rifles by serial number, you can find more information and resources online or offline.
a8ba361960
If you are a collector or enthusiast of South African firearms, you may be interested in the Musgrave rifle history by serial number. The Musgrave rifles are a series of bolt-action target and hunting rifles that were produced in South Africa from the 1950s to the 1990s. These rifles have their roots in target shooting and were designed for full-bore target shooters in an era when surplus war rifles such as the LeeEnfield, LeeMetford, P14 and others were used. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of the Musgrave rifle models and how to identify and date them by serial number.
What are the Musgrave rifle models?
The Musgrave rifles were manufactured by Musgrave Ltd., a subsidiary of ARMSCOR (Armscor), the state-owned arms manufacturer of South Africa. The Musgrave facility was located in Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa, where they housed a giant gunsmithing concern. RSA actions and earlier hammer-forged barrels were manufactured at Lyttelton Engineering Works. The Musgrave rifles were mainly exported to countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
musgrave rifle history by serial number
Download Zip https://t.co/LyGocK8St6
The Musgrave rifles can be divided into two main categories: target rifles and hunting rifles. The target rifles were single-shot rifles that were based on Mauser's design and featured a controlled feed (claw) extractor. The actions had a large flat bedding area underneath and a short case extraction port. The target rifles were fitted with different barrels and sights depending on the model and the customer's preference. The hunting rifles were magazine-fed rifles that were based on the Mod 90 action, which was a modified Mauser 98 action with a push feed extractor. The hunting rifles were available in various calibers and configurations.
Some of the most popular Musgrave rifle models are:
The RSA Target Rifle: This was the first Musgrave target rifle that was introduced in the 1950s. It was designated "7,62" (7.6251mm NATO or .308 Winchester) and had a 26.5" barrel with a handguard. It had M&S 1/3 MOA rear sights or Parker Hale 1/4 MOA rear sights as an option. The stocks were made of beech wood.
The RSA Mk II Target Rifle: This was an improved version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1960s. It had a longer barrel (28") with no handguard and a heavier stock with a wider fore-end. It had Parker Hale 1/4 MOA rear sights or Warner & Swasey 1/8 MOA rear sights as an option.
The RSA Mk III Target Rifle: This was another improved version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1970s. It had a shorter barrel (24") with no handguard and a lighter stock with a narrower fore-end. It had Warner & Swasey 1/8 MOA rear sights or Redfield International Match rear sights as an option.
The RSA Mk IV Target Rifle: This was the last version of the RSA Target Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a shorter barrel (22") with no handguard and a lighter stock with a narrower fore-end. It had Redfield International Match rear sights or Anschutz Match rear sights as an option.
The Mod 90 Hunting Rifle: This was the first Musgrave hunting rifle that was introduced in the 1970s. It was based on the Mod 90 action, which was a modified Mauser 98 action with a push feed extractor. It had a detachable box magazine that could hold three or four rounds depending on the caliber. It was available in various calibers such as .222 Remington, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .375 H&H Magnum and others.
The Mod 90 Deluxe Hunting Rifle: This was an upgraded version of the Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a polished action, engraved by Armin Winkler, with gold triggers on French walnut stocks, fore-ends tipped with buffalo horn and fitted recoil pads.
The Mod 90 Supreme Hunting Rifle: This was another upgraded version of the Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was introduced in the 1980s. It had a polished action, engraved by Armin Winkler, with gold triggers on French walnut stocks, fore-ends tipped with buffalo horn and fitted recoil pads. It also had gold-plated metal parts such as the bolt handle, safety catch, magazine release button and sling swivels.
How to identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number?
If you own or encounter a Musgrave rifle, you may want to know its history and date of manufacture by serial number. Unfortunately, there is no official record or database of Musgrave serial numbers that is publicly available. However, there are some clues and sources that can help you to estimate the age and origin of your Musgrave rifle by serial number.
One clue is to look at the proof marks on your Musgrave rifle. Proof marks are stamps or symbols that indicate that the rifle has been tested for safety and quality by a recognized proof house. The SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) stamped the metalwork on a proofed rifle with two proof marks in the shape of a capital letter "T" within "Springbok horns", one on the action (receiver), the other on the barrel. A SABS inspector fired a high pressure round through every rifle manufactured on Musgrave's site and signed off.
Another clue is to look at the model name or designation on your Musgrave rifle. The model name or designation can indicate when your Musgrave rifle was made or exported. For example, if your Musgrave rifle has "RSA" on it, it means that it is an RSA Target Rifle that was made between the 1950s and the 1980s. If your Musgrave rifle has "Mod 90" on it, it means that it is a Mod 90 Hunting Rifle that was made between the 1970s and the 1990s.
A third clue is to look at the serial number range on your Musgrave rifle. The serial number range can indicate when your Musgrave rifle was made or exported. For example, if your Musgrave rifle has a serial number between 00001 and 10000, it means that it is an early RSA Target Rifle that was made in the 1950s or early 1960s. If your Musgrave rifle has a serial number between XMA001 and XMA003, it means that it is one of three exhibition rifles that were hand built for display in the USA in 1983-1984.
A fourth clue is to consult other sources or experts who may have more information or knowledge about Musgrave serial numbers. For example, you can check online forums or websites where other collectors or enthusiasts may share their data or experience about Musgrave serial numbers. You can also contact former employees or owners of Musgrave who may have access to records or documents about Musgrave serial numbers.
Conclusion
Musgrave rifle history by serial number is a fascinating topic that can reveal more about your South African firearm heritage. By using some clues and sources, you can identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number and learn more about its history and evolution.
What are the benefits and challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number?
Collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number can be a rewarding and challenging hobby for firearm enthusiasts. Some of the benefits and challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number are:
Benefits: You can learn more about the history and evolution of South African firearms and target shooting. You can appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of Musgrave rifles and their variations. You can own a piece of South African firearm heritage that is rare and valuable.
Challenges: You may have difficulty finding and acquiring Musgrave rifles by serial number, especially in countries where they were not exported or are restricted. You may have to deal with legal and ethical issues regarding the ownership and transfer of Musgrave rifles by serial number. You may have to invest time and money in researching, verifying and maintaining Musgrave rifles by serial number.
How to care for your Musgrave rifle by serial number?
If you own or collect a Musgrave rifle by serial number, you may want to know how to care for it properly and preserve its value and condition. Here are some tips on how to care for your Musgrave rifle by serial number:
Clean your Musgrave rifle regularly: You should clean your Musgrave rifle after every use or at least once a year. You should use a cleaning rod, patches, brushes, solvents and oils that are suitable for your Musgrave rifle caliber and model. You should follow the instructions on how to clean your Musgrave rifle safely and thoroughly.
Store your Musgrave rifle safely: You should store your Musgrave rifle in a dry, cool and secure place. You should use a gun case, rack or cabinet that protects your Musgrave rifle from dust, moisture, rust, theft and unauthorized access. You should also use a gun lock or trigger lock to prevent accidental firing.
Handle your Musgrave rifle carefully: You should handle your Musgrave rifle with respect and caution. You should always treat your Musgrave rifle as if it is loaded and never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot. You should also follow the basic rules of firearm safety such as keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, keeping your Musgrave rifle unloaded when not in use, and knowing your target and what is beyond it.
Where can you find more information about Musgrave rifle history by serial number?
If you want to find more information about Musgrave rifle history by serial number, you can use various sources and resources that are available online or offline. Some of them are:
Books: You can read books that cover the history and evolution of South African firearms and target shooting, such as "Gunsmiths of the Eastern Cape" by Dave George or "The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values" by Phillip Peterson.
Websites: You can visit websites that provide information and data about Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as https://www.jaracal.com/ or https://www.bullet-behavior.com/.
Forums: You can join forums where other collectors or enthusiasts share their knowledge and experience about Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as https://www.gunboards.com/ or https://www.gunsite.co.za/.
Museums: You can visit museums that display or exhibit Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg or the War Museum of the Boer Republics in Bloemfontein.
Clubs: You can join clubs that organize events or activities related to Musgrave rifles by serial number, such as the South African Bisley Union or the South African Hunters Association.
Conclusion
Musgrave rifle history by serial number is a fascinating topic that can reveal more about your South African firearm heritage. By using some clues and sources, you can identify and date your Musgrave rifle by serial number and learn more about its history and evolution. You can also enjoy the benefits and overcome the challenges of collecting Musgrave rifles by serial number. If you are interested in Musgrave rifles by serial number, you can find more information and resources online or offline.
a8ba361960
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