Gene therapy of musculoskeletal disorders warrants efficient gene transfer to a wide range of muscle groups. Reengineered adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors that selectively transduce muscle tissue following systemic administration are attractive candidates for such applications. Here we provide examples of several lab-derived AAV vectors that display systemic tissue tropism in mice. Methods to evaluate the efficiency of gene transfer to skeletal muscle following intravenous or isolated limb infusion of AAV -vectors in mice are discussed in detail.