Musgrave K98 Sporter
Musgrave Manufacturers and Distributors · Rifle · Discontinued · 1971
Also known as: Musgrave K98, Musgrave Kar98 Sporter
Overview
The Musgrave K98 Sporter is a South African bolt-action hunting rifle built on the surplus Mauser Kar98 (K98) military action, sporterized with a walnut stock and chambered for popular hunting cartridges including the .30-06 Springfield. Produced by Musgrave of Bloemfontein, it retained the Mauser controlled-round-feed action and five-round internal box magazine while distinguishing itself with a thumb-operated safety mounted on the rear of the striker shroud and a flush plunger floorplate release. The rifle earned a reputation for accuracy and robust construction in the African hunting fields.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1120 mm (44.09") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 880 m/s (2887 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3764 J (2776 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 300 m (328 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield · primary — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety, Cocking Indicator
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Claw Extractor, Hinged Floorplate, Sporter Stock
Service history
Operators
- South African civilian hunters
Production
Production years: 1971-1996
Produced at the Musgrave factory in Bloemfontein until the brand was absorbed and the facility closed in 1996; the name was later revived in 2009.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Designer: Musgrave Manufacturers and Distributors
Discontinued: 1996
Notes
Musgrave assembled its Mauser-pattern sporters from a variety of surplus K98-style actions, with BRNO, Santa Barbara and VZ24 receivers among the most common donors. Barrel lengths and exact dimensions vary between individual rifles owing to the use of differing actions and custom finishing.
Background
Musgrave was founded in 1950 by Ben Musgrave and his sons, who began by restocking and accurizing surplus military service rifles before developing a full line of hunting and target rifles, making Musgrave one of South Africa's most respected rifle builders.