Musgrave Ambidex

Musgrave Manufacturers & Distributors · Rifle · Discontinued · 1988

Also known as: Musgrave Ambidex .22

Overview

The Musgrave Ambidex is a South African .22 Long Rifle straight-pull bolt-action rimfire sporting rifle produced by Musgrave in Bloemfontein. Launched in May 1988 and inspired by the Browning T-Bolt, its defining feature is a bolt that can be swapped to operate from either the left or right side of the receiver, making it fully ambidextrous. High production costs made it a commercial failure, and only about 400 were built before it was discontinued around 1990.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	2722 g (96.0 oz)
Overall Length	1054 mm (41.50")
Barrel Length	584 mm (22.99")
Action Type	Straight Pull
Firing Mechanism	Striker Fired
Trigger Type	Single Stage
Magazine Capacity	15 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Effective Range	100 m (109 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Wood
Finish	Blued

Calibers

.22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR

Features

Firing modes: Repeating
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
Features: Reversible Ambidextrous Bolt, Straight Pull Action, Cross Bolt Locking, Sporter Stock, Detachable Magazine

Production

Estimated total produced: 400 · Production years: 1988-1990

Very limited run of roughly 400 rifles; discontinued after about two years due to high production costs

Origin

Country of origin: South Africa

Discontinued: 1990

Notes

Offered in three grades. UK dealers requested suppressor-compatible barrel threading, which added to already high manufacturing costs. It competed unsuccessfully against cheaper CZ rimfire rifles.

Background

Built for both left- and right-handed shooters, the Ambidex let its owner unscrew and reinstall the straight-pull bolt on the opposite side of the receiver, a rare ambidextrous trick that nonetheless couldn't save it from being a commercial flop.