What Makes Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate Stand Out?
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate offers Savage 110, 111, 114 & 116 owners a simple, yet impactful upgrade: the ability to switch between a traditional hinged floorplate and the convenience of a detachable box magazine. For those familiar with the Savage action, this represents a significant leap in usability, especially in dynamic hunting or tactical scenarios. This product from Hogue aims to bridge the gap between classic rifle aesthetics and modern, rapid-reload capability.
After a decade spent perfecting my skills in the tactical and hunting realms, I was perpetually searching for ways to improve both firearm performance and the overall user experience. The biggest drawback I continually faced with many older rifles was the slow and cumbersome process of unloading and reloading them. The appeal of the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate was its promise to resolve this inefficiency.
My first impression upon unboxing the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate was one of immediate quality. The polymer construction felt robust and well-molded, exuding a sense of durability. It was noticeably lighter than I expected, which is always a plus when considering a modification to a hunting rifle.
I considered several other options, including custom gunsmithing for a detachable magazine conversion and aftermarket floorplates from other manufacturers. Ultimately, the Hogue offering stood out due to its seemingly simple installation process and reputation for solid, reliable performance. The Hogue name also carries significant weight; I trust their products to be both functional and durable.
My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The promise of faster reloads and easier unloading in the field was highly appealing, but I also knew that any modification to a rifle’s feeding system could potentially introduce reliability issues. I was eager to put the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate to the test and see if it lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate occurred during a whitetail deer hunt in the rugged terrain of the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was typical for late fall: cold and damp, with intermittent rain and the ever-present threat of snow. This environment provided a perfect proving ground for the upgrade.
The most immediate difference I noticed was the speed of unloading the rifle at the end of the day. Instead of painstakingly cycling each round through the action, I simply dropped the magazine and cleared the chamber. It was significantly faster and easier, especially with cold fingers. There was also a peace of mind knowing the rifle was unloaded.
The installation required minimal gunsmithing, a huge plus for someone like me who prefers to do my own work, but isn’t a professional. The whole process took about 30 minutes. The magazine seated positively and ejected cleanly.
Initially, the magazine release felt slightly stiff, but after a few repetitions, it smoothed out considerably. I experienced no malfunctions during my first day in the field; the rifle fed, fired, and extracted flawlessly. This initial experience was a huge relief, confirming that the installation was successful and the system was reliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, spanning multiple hunting trips and numerous range sessions, the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my Savage rifle. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on either the magazine or the floorplate components. The polymer is holding up very well to the bumps and scrapes that are inevitable in the hunting environment.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: I occasionally wipe down the magazine and floorplate with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion. The magazine spring tension remains strong and consistent, ensuring reliable feeding. The Hogue system has consistently outperformed the original hinged floorplate in terms of speed and ease of use. It is much easier to top off the rounds.
Compared to my previous experiences with traditional floorplates, the Hogue system is a night-and-day improvement. The added convenience and speed of the detachable magazine are well worth the investment. I will continue using it as my primary hunting rifle configuration.
Breaking Down the Features of Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate
Specifications
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate is designed for Savage 110, 111, 114 & 116 long action rifles with standard barrel contours and pillar-bedded stocks. It is not a universal fit; compatibility is key. It is essential to confirm your rifle’s action length and stock configuration before purchasing.
- Action Type: Long Action.
- Compatibility: Savage 110, 111, 114, & 116 rifles with standard barrel profiles and pillar-bedded stocks.
- Material: Durable Polymer.
- Magazine Capacity: Varies based on caliber (typically 3-5 rounds for magnum calibers, 4-6 for standard calibers – magazine sold separately).
- Installation: Drop-in (minor fitting may be required).
- Price: $127.46
These specifications are critical because they dictate whether the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate will even fit your rifle. Ensuring proper compatibility will save you time, money, and frustration. The durable polymer construction balances weight savings with ruggedness, essential for enduring harsh hunting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate performs its job admirably, transforming a traditional bolt-action rifle into a more versatile and user-friendly platform. Magazine changes are quick and intuitive, allowing for faster follow-up shots if needed. The system is easy to operate with gloves on, a crucial consideration for cold-weather hunting.
One of the strengths of the Hogue system is its simplicity. There are no complicated mechanisms or fragile parts to worry about. The magazine release is positive and secure, preventing accidental magazine drops. However, one potential weakness is the reliance on polymer for critical components. While the polymer is durable, it may not be as robust as steel in extreme conditions.
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate largely meets my expectations. It delivers on its promise of improved reload speed and convenience. However, it’s important to note that magazine availability and caliber compatibility can vary.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate is good, especially considering its price point. The polymer is well-molded and feels solid in hand. The detachable magazine provides a much faster reload.
The design is user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to install and operate. The magazine release is easily accessible and intuitive to use. There is minimal learning curve to using the system.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate appears to be built to last, with its durable polymer construction resisting impacts and abrasions. With proper care, I anticipate this system providing many years of reliable service. A simple wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is generally sufficient for maintenance.
Replacement magazines are readily available from Hogue and other retailers. I can’t speak to ease of repair beyond basic cleaning, as there are few serviceable parts. In my opinion, if anything breaks, replacement is the route to go.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate doesn’t come with many accessories, as it is primarily a functional upgrade. The main accessory you’ll need is a compatible magazine, which is sold separately. Ensure you purchase the correct magazine for your rifle’s caliber.
While there are limited customization options directly related to the floorplate itself, the detachable magazine system opens up possibilities for using different magazine capacities (where legal and available). It’s essential to check compatibility with your specific Savage rifle model before purchasing any magazines. Some aftermarket magazines may not fit perfectly.
Pros and Cons of Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate
Pros
- Significantly faster and easier magazine changes compared to a traditional hinged floorplate.
- Simple drop-in installation (minor fitting may be required).
- Durable polymer construction is both lightweight and rugged.
- Allows for faster unloading of the rifle for storage or transport.
- Affordable upgrade that enhances the usability of Savage rifles.
Cons
- Requires purchase of separate magazines.
- Polymer construction may not be as durable as steel in extreme conditions.
- Caliber and magazine compatibility can vary, requiring careful selection.
Who Should Buy Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate?
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate is perfect for hunters who appreciate the convenience of a detachable magazine for faster reloads and easier unloading. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters who value quick magazine changes. Anyone looking to modernize their Savage 110, 111, 114 or 116 rifle will benefit from this upgrade.
This product may not be ideal for purists who prefer the traditional aesthetic and function of a hinged floorplate. Also, shooters on a very tight budget might find the additional cost of magazines prohibitive.
A must-have accessory is, of course, compatible magazines. I recommend purchasing at least two or three magazines to ensure you have enough ammunition readily available. A gunsmith might be useful for installation.
Conclusion on Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate
The Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate is a worthwhile upgrade for Savage rifle owners seeking increased convenience and faster reloads. Its simple installation, durable construction, and improved functionality make it a compelling addition to any hunting or tactical rifle setup. While the need to purchase separate magazines adds to the overall cost, the benefits far outweigh the expense in my opinion.
At $127.46, the price is justified by the enhanced usability and performance the Hogue system provides. It represents a good value for the money, especially considering the time and effort saved in the field.
I would definitely recommend the Hogue Savage Detachable Box Mag/Hinged Floor Plate to anyone looking to modernize their Savage rifle and improve its overall functionality. Upgrade your Savage rifle today and experience the difference!