Let’s Dive into Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round is a factory magazine designed for Savage Arms and Lakefield Mark II, 501, 504, and 900 series bolt-action rifles chambered in .22 LR and .17 Mach 2. It’s a 10-round capacity magazine, constructed with a black finish, aiming for reliability and smooth feeding. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve handled countless magazines, and the performance of a rimfire magazine can make or break a range day, making me critical of their construction and function.
My interest in this particular magazine stemmed from a need for reliable feeding in my trusty Savage Mark II. The original 5-round magazine was limiting, and I needed something with a bit more capacity without sacrificing reliability. I was seeking a durable, dependable magazine that would eliminate frustrating malfunctions and allow me to focus on accurate shooting.
Upon unboxing, the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round felt solid enough, though the plastic construction didn’t scream “premium.” The black finish was consistent, and the magazine seated firmly in my Mark II rifle. It felt lightweight, and I was initially concerned about its long-term durability, especially considering the mixed user reviews I had seen online.
Compared to aftermarket magazines from brands like ProMag, the Savage Arms factory magazine appeared to have a slightly tighter fit and a more robust spring. I chose this factory magazine over a cheaper alternative, gambling that the Savage Arms name would translate to better reliability. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping that it would live up to the hype (or at least outperform the negative reviews).
My first impression was a mixture of hope and trepidation. While the magazine looked and felt decent, I was aware of the potential feeding issues reported by other users. I was eager to get it to the range and see if it would live up to my expectations or become another frustrating addition to my collection of firearm accessories.
Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round at my local outdoor shooting range on a sunny afternoon. I brought along a variety of .22 LR ammunition, ranging from bulk-pack Federal to higher-quality CCI Mini-Mags, to evaluate its feeding performance. I wanted to see how it performed under varying conditions, from cheap ammo to more reliable rounds.
Initially, the magazine performed well with CCI Mini-Mags, loading smoothly and feeding reliably for the first few rounds. However, when fully loaded with 10 rounds of Federal bulk ammo, I experienced several failures to feed, with the rounds nose-diving into the action. This was disappointing, especially given my hope for improved reliability.
The magazine was easy to load, though the plastic follower felt a bit flimsy. After the initial feeding issues, I tried loading only 8 rounds, which seemed to alleviate the problem somewhat. The first-time use was a mixed bag, hinting at potential reliability issues when fully loaded with certain types of ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round has proven to be somewhat finicky. It consistently performs better with higher-quality ammunition like CCI, but still occasionally exhibits feeding issues with bulk ammo, especially when fully loaded. This makes it less than ideal for high-volume shooting sessions.
The magazine shows no significant signs of wear and tear, despite being used regularly. The plastic construction, while not premium, has held up adequately, and the spring tension remains consistent. Cleaning is relatively straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush keeps it functioning.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket magazines, this Savage Arms factory magazine offers slightly better reliability with premium ammunition. However, the inconsistent performance with bulk ammo and the capacity-related feeding issues are a definite disappointment. I still long for a .22LR magazine as reliable as my AR-15 mags.
Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round
Specifications
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round is specifically designed to fit Savage Arms and Lakefield Mark II, 501, 504, and 900 series bolt-action rifles. It is chambered for both .22 Long Rifle and .17 Mach 2 rimfire cartridges.
- Manufacturer: Savage Arms
- Color: Black
- Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle & .17 Mach 2
- Gun Model: Savage Mark II
- Quantity: 1
These specifications are crucial because they dictate compatibility and performance. The 10-round capacity offers a decent balance between capacity and magazine size. The .22 LR caliber compatibility ensures it works with the most common rimfire cartridge.
Performance & Functionality
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round performs its primary function adequately, but not flawlessly. When loaded with premium ammunition and kept below its maximum capacity, it generally feeds reliably.
Its biggest weakness is its inconsistent feeding when fully loaded with bulk ammunition. This can lead to frustrating stoppages and detracts from the overall shooting experience. It meets expectations for a factory magazine in terms of fit and finish, but falls short in overall reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s design is simple and functional. The black plastic construction is lightweight and fits securely in the rifle’s magazine well. It is easy to load, though the plastic follower feels somewhat cheap.
The user-friendliness is decent, but the occasional feeding issues can lead to frustration. There isn’t a significant learning curve, but understanding its limitations (i.e., avoiding fully loading with bulk ammo) is essential for optimal performance. The molded grips on the magazine’s sides allow for easy handling when loading and unloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round appears to be reasonably durable, given its plastic construction. After several weeks of regular use, it shows no significant signs of wear and tear.
Maintenance is straightforward. Disassembly isn’t really necessary for routine cleaning. A simple wipe-down with a cloth and a nylon brush is sufficient to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round doesn’t come with any accessories beyond the standard packaging. There are no specific customization options for this magazine itself.
However, the Savage Mark II rifle is compatible with various aftermarket accessories like scopes and stocks. Improved reliability might be achieved by using high quality ammunition. Also, you can consider aftermarket followers or springs, though compatibility is not guaranteed and may require some modification.
Pros and Cons of Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round
Pros
- Direct factory replacement ensures proper fit in compatible Savage Arms rifles.
- 10-round capacity offers more convenience than the standard 5-round magazines.
- Relatively reliable when using high-quality ammunition such as CCI Mini-Mags.
- Simple design makes it easy to load and maintain.
- Affordable compared to some aftermarket options while still offering decent performance.
Cons
- Inconsistent feeding when fully loaded, particularly with bulk ammunition.
- Plastic construction feels somewhat cheap and may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- Price is a little high for a basic 10-round .22LR magazine, especially considering its limitations.
Who Should Buy Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round?
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round is perfect for Savage Mark II owners who are seeking a higher-capacity magazine than the factory 5-round option. It’s also a good choice for those who primarily use high-quality .22 LR ammunition.
Those who primarily shoot bulk ammunition or demand flawless reliability from their magazines should probably skip this product. They might want to consider investing in higher-end aftermarket options, if available, or exploring alternative rifles with more reliable magazine designs. A must-have modification is to simply download it to 8 rounds for better performance.
Conclusion on Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round
The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 B 10 Round is a mixed bag. While it offers a higher capacity and decent fit for compatible Savage rifles, its inconsistent feeding, particularly with bulk ammunition, is a significant drawback.
The price is somewhat justified given that it’s a factory magazine, but the reliability issues detract from its overall value. If you are willing to use high-quality ammunition and manage your expectations, it can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Personally, I would recommend it with reservations. It’s an improvement over the 5-round magazine, but be prepared for occasional hiccups. If flawless reliability is your top priority, you might want to explore other options or simply stick to loading it with fewer rounds. Consider giving it a try, but temper your expectations and invest in some good quality ammo!