The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is an aftermarket magazine designed to dramatically increase the capacity of the Savage A22 Magnum rifle. It promises a significant boost in firepower, transitioning from the standard magazine capacity to a hefty 25 rounds of .22 Magnum or .22 WMR ammunition.
For years, I’ve been frustrated by the limited magazine capacity of my A22 Magnum during varmint hunts. Reloading frequently disrupts the flow and gives skittish critters a chance to disappear. I needed a reliable, high-capacity solution to maximize my time in the field.
Upon receiving the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin, the first thing I noticed was its robust feel. The polymer construction seemed durable, and the spring tension felt promisingly strong. Compared to the factory 10-round magazine, it was significantly larger, but the difference in potential firepower was undeniable.
While other aftermarket magazines exist for the A22 Magnum, the BUTLER CR. offering stood out due to its aggressive 25-round capacity and reputation for consistent feeding. Other magazines I considered often received mixed reviews regarding reliability. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism, eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin at my local shooting range, focusing on rapid-fire drills and functionality testing. The weather was clear and dry, ideal conditions for an initial assessment. Loading the magazine was straightforward, although it required a bit more effort due to the increased spring tension.
The first few magazines ran flawlessly, feeding reliably and locking the bolt back on the last round as expected. However, after about 100 rounds, I experienced a couple of failures to feed, where the rounds seemed to hang up slightly in the magazine. It was a minor hiccup, but something to keep an eye on.
The increased capacity was a definite game-changer, allowing for significantly longer strings of fire before needing to reload. This translated to more time spent shooting and less time fumbling with magazines. Despite the minor feeding issues, the initial experience was generally positive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin has proven to be mostly reliable, but not without caveats. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through it, and the failure-to-feed incidents have become more frequent, especially when the magazine is fully loaded. This suggests that the spring tension might be a contributing factor.
Despite the feeding issues, the magazine’s durability has been impressive. The polymer body shows no signs of cracking or significant wear, even after being subjected to some rough handling. Cleaning is relatively simple; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush is usually sufficient to remove any residue.
Compared to the factory magazine, the BUTLER CR. offers a massive increase in capacity, but sacrifices some reliability. While the factory magazine is virtually flawless in its feeding, the BUTLER CR. magazine requires more attention and potentially benefits from using specific ammunition types to minimize feeding issues. I’ve found that CCI Maxi-Mag performs better than Winchester Super-X in this magazine.
Breaking Down the Features of BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is designed specifically for the Savage A22 Magnum rifle. It accepts both .22 Magnum and .22 WMR ammunition. The magazine boasts a 25-round capacity.
The magazine is constructed from a durable polymer material. The magazine has an aftermarket origin. Its weight is approximately 4 ounces (unloaded), which is significantly more than the factory magazine due to its increased size and capacity. The larger capacity offered by this magazine means less time spent reloading.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions correctly, the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin dramatically improves the A22 Magnum’s firepower. The ability to fire 25 rounds without reloading is a significant advantage in varmint hunting or target shooting scenarios. The primary weakness is its inconsistent feeding, especially when fully loaded.
The magazine meets expectations in terms of capacity but falls short in terms of overall reliability compared to the factory magazine. Improvements could be made to the spring tension and internal geometry to enhance feeding consistency. However, the price point makes it an attractive option for those willing to accept some potential drawbacks.
Design & Ergonomics
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is constructed from a molded polymer, which feels reasonably robust. The increased weight is noticeable compared to the factory magazine, but it doesn’t significantly affect the rifle’s balance. The magazine inserts and locks into the A22 Magnum’s magazine well securely.
There is a slight learning curve associated with loading the magazine, particularly when filling it to its full 25-round capacity. The spring tension can make the last few rounds challenging to load. Overall, the design is functional but could benefit from some refinements to improve ergonomics and ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction of the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin seems durable enough to withstand regular use. After several weeks of testing, there are no signs of cracking or significant wear. Maintaining the magazine is simple.
Disassembling the magazine for a thorough cleaning is not recommended. However, spraying a bit of CLP (Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant) inside and wiping it down is typically sufficient to keep it functioning smoothly. With proper care, the magazine should last for a reasonable amount of time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin doesn’t offer any specific accessories or customization options. It’s a standalone magazine designed to work with the stock Savage A22 Magnum rifle. It is compatible with any A22 Magnum rifle that accepts standard factory magazines. Due to its increased capacity, users may want to consider a magazine pouch designed for larger magazines.
Pros and Cons of BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Massive 25-round capacity significantly increases firepower.
- Durable polymer construction.
- Affordable price point.
- Easy to load (with practice).
- Noticeably decreases reload times.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding, especially when fully loaded.
- Increased weight compared to factory magazine.
- May require specific ammunition for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin?
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for varmint hunters, target shooters, or anyone who wants to maximize the firepower of their Savage A22 Magnum. It’s particularly beneficial for situations where rapid follow-up shots are necessary and reloading time is critical.
Those who demand absolute reliability and are unwilling to tolerate any feeding issues should skip this product. If you prioritize flawless performance over increased capacity, stick with the factory magazines. This magazine is best suited for those willing to experiment with different ammunition types and potentially troubleshoot minor feeding issues.
Must-have accessories would include a high-quality gun cleaning kit and potentially a magazine pouch designed to accommodate the larger size of the 25-round magazine.
Conclusion on BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin
The BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin offers a compelling value proposition for Savage A22 Magnum owners seeking increased firepower. While it doesn’t match the flawless reliability of the factory magazines, its 25-round capacity is a game-changer in certain situations. The price is justified given the significant increase in magazine capacity.
I would personally recommend it with the caveat that users should be aware of the potential for occasional feeding issues. With some experimentation and proper maintenance, it can be a valuable addition to any A22 Magnum owner’s arsenal. If you’re looking to enhance your A22 Magnum’s capabilities without breaking the bank, the BUTLER CR. A22 MAGNUM MAG 25RD – 22 Magnum / 22 WMR Caliber, Aftermarket Origin is definitely worth considering.