First Thoughts on the Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin promises increased firepower for compatible Savage rifles. It’s a 10-round magazine designed for the popular 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester calibers, aiming to extend your shooting sessions without constant reloads. This magazine is intended as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part, suggesting a factory-direct fit and finish.
I was looking to upgrade my Savage 10 .308 with a higher capacity magazine for PRS competitions, where every second counts. The standard 4-round magazine felt limiting, impacting my flow and competitive edge. I specifically needed a reliable, higher-capacity option without sacrificing the rifle’s accuracy or handling.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt solid and well-constructed. The black finish was consistent, and the polymer body seemed durable enough for range use. Its weight was noticeable, but not excessive, a trade-off I expected for the increased capacity.
I considered magazines from Magpul and MDT, but the Savage OEM option appealed due to its promise of direct compatibility and factory-backed performance. I hoped the OEM design would eliminate potential feeding issues or fitment problems often associated with aftermarket magazines. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – excited about the potential, but wary of the mixed user feedback I’d seen online.
Real-World Testing: Putting Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, under relatively mild and dry conditions. I ran about 100 rounds of .308 Winchester through it to check for feeding, ejection, and overall reliability. The magazine inserted smoothly and locked into place with a reassuring click.
The first few rounds fed without issue, but by the fifth round, I experienced a noticeable hesitation. The bolt seemed to struggle to strip the round from the magazine, requiring a more forceful action. After the seventh round, the issue disappeared, and rounds cycled smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and about 500 rounds, the Savage OEM magazine’s performance became more consistent, but not flawless. The initial stiffness seemed to ease with use, but I still occasionally experienced feeding hesitations, particularly when the magazine was fully loaded to 10 rounds. Cleaning and lubricating the magazine helped, but didn’t completely eliminate the issue.
Visually, the magazine shows minimal wear. Some minor scuff marks are visible on the polymer body, but nothing that impacts function. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is straightforward, and the components appear well-made. Compared to my experiences with Magpul magazines, the Savage OEM option requires more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor. This dual-caliber compatibility makes it versatile for Savage rifles chambered in either.
- Capacity: 10 Rounds. The increased capacity allows for longer shooting sessions and a competitive edge in shooting sports.
- Finish: Black. The black finish is both functional and aesthetically consistent with most Savage rifles.
- Origin: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). This indicates that the magazine is produced by or for Savage Arms, theoretically ensuring proper fit and function.
Performance & Functionality
The Savage OEM magazine’s primary function is to reliably feed ammunition into compatible Savage rifles. While it generally performs this task, I encountered occasional feeding issues, especially when fully loaded. Its strength is its increased capacity compared to the standard 4-round magazines, which can be valuable for hunting or competition.
The magazine’s biggest weakness is its occasional unreliability. Improved spring tension and smoother internal surfaces would significantly enhance its performance. It meets expectations for increased capacity, but falls slightly short on consistent, flawless feeding.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s polymer construction is durable and lightweight. The design is functional, if not particularly inspired. Its ergonomics are adequate, fitting flush with the magazine well of compatible Savage rifles.
The magazine is relatively user-friendly, though the initial stiffness of the spring can make loading to full capacity challenging. There isn’t a significant learning curve, but familiarity with magazine loading techniques is helpful.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine appears to be reasonably durable, showing minimal wear after several uses. Its polymer construction should withstand typical range and field conditions. Disassembly for cleaning is simple, requiring minimal tools or expertise.
Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and light lubrication, is essential for ensuring its longevity and reliable function. With proper care, the Savage OEM magazine should last for several years of regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Savage OEM magazine doesn’t come with any specific accessories. No customization options are available directly from Savage, though users can potentially modify the spring or follower to improve feeding. It is generally compatible with standard magazine pouches designed for .308/7.62 NATO magazines.
Pros and Cons of Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Increased capacity: 10 rounds significantly extends shooting sessions compared to standard 4-round magazines. More shooting, less loading.
- OEM fit: Designed specifically for compatible Savage rifles, promising a direct and secure fit in the magazine well. A factory fit reduces compatibility issues.
- Durable construction: Polymer body offers reasonable durability for range and field use without excessive weight. Tough enough for most conditions.
- Easy to disassemble: Simple design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, promoting reliable function. Simple is better for maintenance.
- Dual-caliber compatibility: Works with both .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor rifles. This is good for owners of multiple Savage rifles.
Cons
- Feeding issues: Occasional hesitations or failures to feed, especially when fully loaded. Unreliable feeding is frustrating.
- Stiff spring: The magazine spring can be very stiff initially, making it difficult to load all 10 rounds. A stiff spring leads to loading difficulties.
Who Should Buy Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
The Savage OEM magazine is perfect for competitive shooters who need higher capacity magazines. It is also ideal for hunters in regions where magazine capacity is not restricted. Anyone who wants to spend more time shooting and less time reloading will benefit from this magazine.
This magazine is not for shooters who demand flawless reliability above all else. It is also not for those who own Savage rifles that aren’t explicitly listed as compatible. Those who prioritize ease of loading over capacity might also want to skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality magazine loader to help overcome the stiff spring. Some users might also benefit from aftermarket magazine followers or springs to improve feeding reliability.
Conclusion on Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin offers a valuable upgrade in capacity for compatible Savage rifles, but it isn’t without its flaws. While the increased capacity is a definite advantage, the occasional feeding issues can be frustrating. The price is somewhat justified given its OEM status and increased capacity, but the reliability concerns slightly diminish its overall value.
I would cautiously recommend this magazine, primarily to those who understand its limitations and are willing to potentially troubleshoot minor feeding issues. If you need absolute, unwavering reliability, explore other options. Weigh the pros and cons, and decide if the increased capacity outweighs the potential for occasional hiccups.