Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win Review

First Impressions of Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win is designed for precision and reliability, crucial for any long-range shooter chambering the potent .300 Winchester Magnum. This magazine promises consistent feeding and durability, essential when every shot counts, whether you’re hunting elk in the Rockies or competing in a long-range competition. As an experienced outdoorsman and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless magazines come and go, but this one, built for the Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS), piqued my interest because of the Savage Arms reputation for accuracy and the widespread adoption of the AICS platform.

I needed a dependable magazine for my custom-built .300 Win Mag rifle, which is my go-to for long-range hunting and precision shooting. My previous magazines were inconsistent, leading to frustrating jams at the range and missed opportunities in the field. Upon unboxing, the Savage Arms magazine felt robust and well-constructed. The black Cerakote Elite finish gave it a tactical look and a reassuring feel of quality.

Compared to Magpul’s AICS polymer magazines, this metal magazine felt significantly more durable. MDT’s metal AICS magazines are a close competitor, but the Savage Arms offering was more readily available and slightly less expensive. I chose this magazine because of its price point, the Savage Arms brand reputation, and the promise of seamless integration with my AICS-compatible rifle. I was excited to see if this magazine could finally provide the reliability I’d been searching for, ending my magazine-related frustrations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win at my local shooting range, which has distances out to 1000 yards. The weather was typical for late summer: hot and dry, with a slight breeze. The magazine was easy to load, and it locked into my rifle’s AICS chassis with a reassuring click. There were no initial issues, and the first few rounds fed smoothly.

The performance remained consistent even as the magazine heated up under the sun. I did experience one minor hiccup after about 20 rounds: a slight hesitation in feeding the next round into the chamber. This was easily remedied by cycling the bolt firmly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win has proven to be relatively durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The Cerakote finish has held up well, resisting scratches and corrosion despite being exposed to various weather conditions. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a cloth and some solvent to remove powder residue. It’s far easier to maintain than some of my older magazines that had complex internal mechanisms.

Compared to my previous experiences with unreliable magazines, the Savage Arms magazine is a significant improvement. It has dramatically reduced the number of jams and misfeeds I experience, making my shooting sessions much more enjoyable and productive. However, the single feeding hesitation mentioned earlier is something I’ll continue to monitor.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win

Specifications

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win is specifically designed for long-action rifles chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum and compatible with the AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System) pattern. Its magazine capacity is 5 rounds, balancing a compact profile with adequate firepower for hunting or competition. The magazine features a durable metal construction, enhancing its resistance to wear and tear. The black Cerakote Elite finish provides added protection against corrosion and a sleek, tactical aesthetic.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the magazine’s reliability, longevity, and compatibility. The 5-round capacity is a standard for hunting regulations in many areas. The metal construction and Cerakote finish contribute to its robustness, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of field use.

Performance & Functionality

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win performs its job effectively, providing consistent feeding and reliable operation. Accuracy is indirectly enhanced by the magazine’s reliable feeding, ensuring each round is presented consistently to the chamber. The magazine’s primary strength lies in its robust construction and smooth feeding. The single, minor feeding hesitation I experienced is the only area that could potentially need improvement.

Overall, the magazine meets expectations for a quality AICS-pattern magazine. It does not necessarily exceed them, but its reliability and durability are certainly appreciated.

Design & Ergonomics

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win boasts a robust build quality. Its metal construction provides a solid feel and inspires confidence in its durability. The magazine is relatively lightweight, considering its metal construction, contributing to the overall balance of the rifle. The magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading or insertion.

Durability & Maintenance

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win is designed to last, thanks to its durable metal construction and protective Cerakote Elite finish. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular cleaning to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Disassembly for deep cleaning is not typically necessary, but it can be done with basic tools if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win comes with no included accessories, as it is a standalone magazine. However, it is compatible with any rifle that accepts AICS-pattern long-action magazines chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself, but users can choose from a variety of AICS-compatible chassis systems and rifles. It will also work with aftermarket baseplates, if one desires to add weight or improve grip during magazine changes.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win

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Who Should Buy Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win?

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win is perfect for hunters who rely on accurate and reliable shots in the field. It is also well-suited for competitive shooters participating in long-range shooting disciplines. Anyone building a custom long-action .300 Win Mag rifle on an AICS chassis will benefit from this magazine’s compatibility and durability.

This product might not be ideal for individuals who prefer higher-capacity magazines, especially in situations where rapid follow-up shots are necessary. Those who prioritize extremely lightweight gear may also find the metal construction adds unnecessary weight. A must-have accessory is a high-quality AICS-compatible rifle chassis.

Conclusion on Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win

The Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win is a solid and dependable magazine that delivers consistent feeding and durability for .300 Winchester Magnum rifles. Its metal construction and Cerakote finish inspire confidence in its longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters and hunters. The price is justified by the magazine’s reliability and build quality.

I would personally recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a dependable AICS-pattern magazine for their .300 Win Mag rifle. If you’re tired of unreliable magazines and want a product that will perform consistently in the field, give the Savage Arms 3.85 Metal AICS Mag-Long Action 300 Win a try. You won’t be disappointed.