Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin Review

First Thoughts on the 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 magazine promises to boost the firepower and convenience of the Savage A22 rifle. With its 25-round capacity, loading assist lever, and durable construction, it aims to address the common complaint of limited capacity in .22 LR rifles. Let’s dive in and see if it lives up to the hype.

My journey to this magazine started with frustration. The factory 10-round magazine for my Savage A22 was a constant source of reloading interruptions during range sessions, significantly impacting my practice time and enjoyment. I needed a higher capacity solution that wouldn’t sacrifice reliability.

Upon unboxing, the Butler Creek magazine felt solid and well-made. The black finish looked clean, and the loading assist lever moved smoothly. Its weight felt reassuring without being cumbersome, suggesting a durable construction.

Compared to the factory Savage magazine and even some aftermarket Ruger 10/22 magazines I’ve used, the Butler Creek felt more robust in its construction, especially the feed lips. I chose this over other high-capacity magazines primarily due to the Butler Creek reputation for reliability and the integrated loading assist. I was excited to test if it could truly simplify and speed up the loading process.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The magazine looked promising, and I was eager to see if it could deliver on its promises of increased capacity, ease of loading, and reliable feeding. Only real-world testing would tell if it was a true upgrade or just another disappointment.

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 range, a familiar environment where I could focus solely on the magazine’s performance. The weather was sunny and mild, providing ideal shooting conditions. I ran several different types of .22 LR ammunition through it including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Winchester Super-X.

The loading assist lever was immediately appreciated, making the initial loading much faster and easier than stuffing rounds into the factory magazine. The magazine seated securely into my Savage A22, and the release lever worked smoothly. The first few magazines ran flawlessly, with no failures to feed or eject.

However, I did experience a few failures to feed with the Winchester Super-X ammunition, particularly when the magazine was fully loaded. It seemed the initial spring pressure was a bit much for that particular round. This was a surprise, but I noted it for further investigation during extended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Butler Creek magazine has largely proven its worth. It has become my go-to magazine for longer shooting sessions with my Savage A22. The magazine has held up well with no visible signs of wear and tear beyond minor scuffs.

I found that sticking to CCI Mini-Mags and Federal AutoMatch significantly improved reliability, practically eliminating failures to feed. Cleaning is relatively straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and occasional cleaning of the feed lips keeps it running smoothly. Compared to my previous reliance on the factory 10-round magazines, the Butler Creek offers a dramatic improvement in shooting enjoyment.

While it doesn’t completely eliminate the need to reload, the increased capacity drastically reduces the frequency, allowing for more focused practice and less time spent fumbling with small .22 rounds. It has definitely outperformed my expectations in terms of convenience and overall reliability with the right ammunition.

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

The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish is specifically designed for the Savage A22 and B22 series of rifles chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Its key feature is the 25-round capacity, significantly increasing the rifle’s firepower without requiring constant reloads. The magazine is constructed with a black polymer body and boasts a stainless steel spring.

The magazine also incorporates metal feed lips and a metal header to enhance durability and feeding reliability. A prominent feature is the red loading assist lever located on the side, designed to ease the loading process. The magazine also features a round indicator window, allowing shooters to quickly assess how many rounds are remaining. These specifications are important because they directly impact the magazine’s functionality, longevity, and overall user experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Butler Creek magazine performs admirably, increasing both shooting fun and efficiency. Its primary strength is its high capacity, which minimizes reloading interruptions and allows for longer shooting sessions. With compatible ammunition, the magazine offers exceptional reliability, feeding rounds smoothly and consistently.

However, as noted in my testing, it can be sensitive to certain types of ammunition, particularly those with slightly different bullet profiles. The loading assist lever is a significant advantage, making it much easier and faster to load than standard magazines. While generally excellent, the initial spring pressure can sometimes be too high, contributing to occasional failures to feed with certain ammo types.

Design & Ergonomics

The magazine’s design is straightforward and functional. The black polymer body is both lightweight and durable. The loading assist lever is well-positioned and easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands.

The magazine seats securely into the Savage A22, and the release lever is easily accessible. While the magazine’s size is larger than the factory magazine, it does not significantly impact the rifle’s balance or handling. The design is simple and effective, focusing on functionality over aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

The Butler Creek magazine appears to be built to last. The polymer body is resistant to impacts and scratches, and the stainless steel spring should resist corrosion. The metal feed lips are a welcome addition, adding extra durability to a critical area.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. Disassembly is not recommended for routine maintenance. With proper care, this magazine should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish is itself an accessory, designed to enhance the functionality of the Savage A22 rifle. It doesn’t directly support other accessories, such as optics or grips. However, its compatibility with the Savage A22 makes it a crucial component for any shooter seeking to maximize the rifle’s potential. While it doesn’t allow for direct customization, its impact on the rifle’s performance makes it a valuable addition.

Pros and Cons of Butler Creek BCA22LR25 Savage A 22 LR 25 rd Black Finish – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Black, Aftermarket Origin

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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 is perfect for recreational shooters, plinkers, and small game hunters who own a Savage A22 or B22 rifle and want to increase their firepower and reduce reloading time. It’s also ideal for those who find loading standard .22 LR magazines difficult due to hand strength or dexterity issues.

Those who primarily use ammunition known to be problematic with high-capacity magazines or who prioritize a flush-fitting magazine should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for carrying multiple loaded magazines to the range or field.

Conclusion on 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 is a worthwhile upgrade for Savage A22 owners seeking increased capacity and ease of loading. While it may require some experimentation to find the optimal ammunition, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. At $38.99, the price is justified for the convenience and enhanced shooting experience it provides.

I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve their Savage A22. It’s a well-designed and durable product that delivers on its promises. So, ditch those frustrating 10-round magazines and invest in the Butler Creek BCA22LR25 for a more enjoyable and efficient shooting experience!

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