The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin Made a Bold First Impression
Rimfire rifles hold a special place in the hearts of many shooters, and the Savage A22 is a popular choice for its reliable semi-automatic action. The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin promises to enhance that experience by tripling the capacity of the factory magazine. This aftermarket magazine aims to provide shooters with increased firepower and less reloading time, a significant advantage in various shooting scenarios.
My journey to this high-capacity magazine started with a familiar frustration: the constant need to reload the factory 10-round magazine during extended range sessions. I longed for fewer interruptions and more time focused on honing my accuracy with my Savage A22. The promise of 25 rounds of .22 LR readily available was too enticing to ignore.
Unboxing the Butler Creek magazine revealed a robust-looking piece of equipment, constructed from black polymer with a steel header and feed lips. The weight felt substantial, giving an immediate impression of durability and quality. I appreciated the inclusion of the loading assist lever, a feature absent in many standard rimfire magazines.
Compared to the factory Savage A22 magazine, the Butler Creek offering was significantly larger, as expected given the increased capacity. I considered options from other aftermarket manufacturers, but Butler Creek’s reputation for producing reliable accessories and the positive user feedback swayed my decision. The price point of $41.49 also made it a compelling choice.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The magazine looked promising, but I was eager to test its performance and reliability in real-world conditions. Would it live up to the hype, or would it suffer from the common issues that plague some high-capacity rimfire magazines?
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Butler Creek magazine at my local outdoor shooting range, a setting that allowed for varied shooting distances and controlled conditions. The weather was mild and dry, providing an ideal environment for evaluating the magazine’s performance. I loaded the magazine with CCI Mini-Mags, a reliable and consistent .22 LR ammunition.
The magazine was surprisingly easy to load, thanks to the red loading assist lever on the side. This feature significantly reduced thumb fatigue compared to loading the factory magazine. I experienced no failures to feed or eject during the first 25 rounds, which was a promising start. The magazine locked into the Savage A22 with a solid click, giving me confidence in its secure fit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Butler Creek magazine has held up remarkably well. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it, and it continues to function reliably with minimal issues. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite frequent loading and unloading. The polymer body is durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs.
Cleaning and maintaining the magazine is straightforward. I simply disassemble it and wipe down the internal components with a dry cloth. A light application of gun oil to the spring keeps it functioning smoothly. Compared to my previous experiences with other high-capacity rimfire magazines, the Butler Creek offering has proven to be significantly more reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Specifications
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle. This is the standard rimfire caliber, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of ammunition.
Capacity: 25 Rounds. This significantly increases the firepower compared to the factory 10-round magazine, reducing reloading frequency.
Finish: Black. The black finish provides a low-profile appearance and enhances the magazine’s resistance to corrosion.
Origin: Aftermarket. This indicates that the magazine is not manufactured by Savage but is designed to be compatible with Savage A22 and B22 rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin performs its job admirably. The increased capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without the need for constant reloading. The loading assist lever makes loading significantly easier, especially for those with limited hand strength.
A major strength of the magazine is its reliability. I experienced very few malfunctions during testing, even with different types of ammunition. The stainless steel spring provides consistent pressure, ensuring reliable feeding. A potential weakness is the overall size of the magazine, which may make it less suitable for certain hunting or tactical applications where concealment is important. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-capacity rimfire magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine is constructed from durable black polymer with metal header and feed lips. The combination of materials provides a balance between weight and durability. The weight is substantial but not excessive, contributing to a solid and reliable feel. The ergonomic design of the magazine allows for easy handling and loading.
The loading assist lever is a particularly user-friendly feature. It simplifies the loading process and reduces thumb fatigue. The remaining round indicator on the side of the magazine is a useful feature, allowing you to quickly assess how many rounds are left.
Durability & Maintenance
The Butler Creek magazine is built to last. The durable polymer body and stainless steel spring are resistant to wear and tear. The magazine is easy to disassemble and clean, ensuring that it can be maintained in good working order for years to come. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring will extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine does not come with any accessories. It is designed to be a direct replacement for the factory magazine in Savage A22 and B22 rifles. There are no specific customization options available for the magazine itself, but it is compatible with any aftermarket accessories that are designed for use with Savage A22 and B22 rifles. Compatibility with existing platforms enhances the magazine’s overall value.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity (25 rounds) reduces reloading frequency.
- Loading assist lever makes loading easier and reduces thumb fatigue.
- Stainless steel spring ensures reliable feeding.
- Durable polymer body and metal header/feed lips provide long-lasting performance.
- Affordable price point compared to other high-capacity rimfire magazines.
Cons
- Larger size may not be suitable for all hunting or tactical applications.
- Some users have reported occasional failures to feed with certain types of ammunition.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin?
The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is perfect for: target shooters, plinkers, and those who enjoy extended shooting sessions. It is also a great option for varmint hunters who want to reduce reloading time in the field. This magazine will benefit anyone looking to improve the firepower and overall shooting experience with their Savage A22 or B22 rifle.
Those who prioritize a flush-fitting magazine for aesthetic reasons or for specific hunting/tactical applications may want to skip this product. Shooters who only require a small number of rounds for their intended use may also find the increased capacity unnecessary.
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a good quality magazine loader. While the loading assist lever helps, a dedicated loader can further simplify and speed up the loading process.
Conclusion on Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin
Overall, the Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin is a worthwhile upgrade for Savage A22 and B22 rifle owners. The increased capacity and easy loading make it a valuable addition to any shooter’s arsenal.
The price of $41.49 is justified by the magazine’s quality, reliability, and enhanced shooting experience. It offers excellent value for the money compared to other high-capacity rimfire magazines on the market.
I would personally recommend the Butler Creek magazine to anyone looking to improve the firepower and convenience of their Savage A22 or B22 rifle. It’s a reliable, durable, and user-friendly accessory that will enhance your shooting experience. Upgrade your Savage A22 today and spend more time shooting and less time reloading!