Musgrave RSA
Musgrave Manufacturers & Distributors · Sniper Rifle · Discontinued · 1971
Also known as: Lyttelton RSA, Musgrave RSA Target Rifle
Overview
The Musgrave RSA is a single-shot, bolt-action target and sniper rifle built in South Africa around a Mauser-pattern action with a controlled-feed claw extractor. Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester), it pairs a heavy free-floating target barrel with precision aperture sights and a deep target stock. Introduced at the 1971 South African National Championships in Cape Town, where it set several records, it became a mainstay of South African competitive and military marksmanship.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 5500 g (194.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1200 mm (47.24") |
| Barrel Length | 673 mm (26.50") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Single Shot |
| Muzzle Velocity | 850 m/s (2789 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3441 J (2538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 900 m (984 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62x51mm, .308 Win
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Controlled Round Feed, Claw Extractor, Heavy Target Barrel, Free Floating Barrel, Adjustable Aperture Sights, Globe Front Sight
Service history
Operators
- South African Defence Force
Production
Production years: 1971-1990s
Built by Musgrave in Bloemfontein with actions from Lyttelton Engineering; the firm was later absorbed into Denel/Armscor and continued under the Vektor name.
Origin
Country of origin: South Africa
Notes
The receivers were produced by Lyttelton Engineering Works near Pretoria and the rifles are frequently marked 'Lyttelton RSA'. The single-shot competition action has no magazine; rounds are loaded individually through the open port.
Background
Musgrave rifles took their name from South African gunmaker Ben Musgrave; the RSA target action debuted by sweeping records at the 1971 national championships in Cape Town.