The Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin Made a Bold First Impression
In the world of precision shooting, where consistency and reliability are paramount, the choice of magazine can make or break your performance. The Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin promises to deliver both, offering an increased capacity for those demanding scenarios. With a price tag of $67.49, it enters a market saturated with options, requiring careful scrutiny to determine its true value.
My journey to this particular magazine started with a simple need: increased firepower for my Savage 10 BA Stealth in .308 for PRS-style competitions. The factory 4-round magazine felt limiting, especially during stages requiring multiple target engagements. I wanted a 10-round option that would seamlessly integrate with my rifle and provide reliable feeding.
Unboxing the Savage OEM magazine, my initial impression was…underwhelming. The black polymer felt sturdy enough, but lacked the refined feel of some aftermarket magazines I’ve handled. Its lightweight nature was welcome, but I immediately started wondering if the spring would have enough juice to reliably feed rounds under stress.
I considered offerings from Magpul and Accuracy International (AI), but the Savage OEM magazine had the allure of guaranteed compatibility with my rifle. Magpul’s AICS-pattern magazines are reliable, but can sometimes require slight modification for optimal fit in different chassis systems. AI mags are the gold standard, but the added cost made me hesitant without first trying the Savage option. My hope was that the OEM would provide a reliable, drop-in solution.
My initial reaction was a mix of optimism and cautious skepticism. I was eager to test it at the range, but the slightly “plasticky” feel and online reviews mentioning stiff springs gave me pause. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Savage OEM magazine lived up to its potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Savage OEM magazine involved a mix of slow-fire accuracy drills and rapid-fire target transitions. I tested it with various .308 ammunition types, from Federal Gold Medal Match to surplus 7.62 NATO rounds. The testing was conducted at an outdoor range with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and mild wind.
The initial loading experience confirmed my fears: the spring was indeed stiff. Getting the 10th round in required significant effort, and I could feel the strain on the magazine lips. The magazine seated firmly into the magwell of my Savage 10 BA Stealth with a positive “click.” During the first few magazines, I experienced a few failures to feed. The bolt would occasionally ride over the top of the round, failing to strip it from the magazine. This happened more frequently with the cheaper surplus ammunition.
After about 50 rounds, the feeding issues seemed to subside slightly, suggesting the spring was breaking in. However, the effort required to load the 10th round remained a persistent annoyance. Despite the initial hiccups, the magazine functioned reasonably well after the break-in period.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following months, I used the Savage OEM magazine in several PRS-style matches and practice sessions, logging approximately 500 rounds through it. I made sure to clean it after each range trip, paying particular attention to the magazine body and follower. While the initial feeding issues diminished, they never entirely disappeared. I still experienced occasional failures to feed, especially when rapidly cycling the bolt.
The magazine’s polymer construction proved reasonably durable, showing only minor cosmetic wear. The finish held up well, with no significant scratches or fading. The magazine lips, however, exhibited slight deformation over time, likely due to the constant pressure from the stiff spring. Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning was simple, requiring no special tools. Reassembly was equally easy, though the stiff spring made it slightly challenging to seat the follower properly.
Compared to my experiences with Magpul AICS magazines, the Savage OEM magazine felt less refined and slightly less reliable. The Magpul magazines consistently fed rounds smoothly and effortlessly, even with rapid bolt cycling. While the Savage OEM magazine offered the advantage of guaranteed compatibility, its performance fell short of my expectations. It was adequate, but not exceptional.
Breaking Down the Features of Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO. This specification dictates the ammunition the magazine is designed to feed.
- Capacity: 10 Rounds. The magazine holds ten rounds, increasing firepower compared to standard 4-round magazines.
- Finish: Black. The black finish provides a low-profile look and some resistance to corrosion.
- Origin: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). It is manufactured by or for Savage Arms, ensuring factory-spec compatibility.
- Material: Polymer. The polymer construction makes it lightweight and relatively durable.
These specifications are crucial for compatibility and performance. The .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO caliber ensures it feeds the appropriate ammunition for my rifle. The 10-round capacity allows for more efficient shooting during competitions or tactical scenarios.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Savage OEM magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the rifle’s chamber. While it generally performs this task adequately, its stiff spring and occasional feeding issues prevent it from achieving true excellence. The magazine’s fit and lockup with the rifle are positive and secure, contributing to overall reliability.
Strengths: Guaranteed compatibility with Savage rifles, increased capacity. Weaknesses: Stiff spring, occasional feeding issues, especially with certain ammunition types. The magazine meets the basic expectation of feeding ammunition but falls short of exceeding it.
Design & Ergonomics
The Savage OEM magazine features a simple and functional design. Its polymer construction makes it lightweight and relatively easy to handle. The magazine’s texture provides a decent grip, even with wet or gloved hands. There isn’t much to say about the ergonomics, it’s a standard magazine shape and size.
The build quality is acceptable, but not exceptional. The polymer feels somewhat cheap, and the magazine lips appear prone to deformation over time. Despite its shortcomings, the magazine is user-friendly, requiring no special knowledge or skills to operate.
Durability & Maintenance
The magazine’s polymer construction should ensure a reasonable lifespan, provided it is properly maintained. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Disassembling the magazine for cleaning is relatively simple, making maintenance easy.
Given its construction and materials, the Savage OEM magazine is not designed for heavy abuse. It is best suited for range use and competition, rather than extreme tactical scenarios. Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces when fully loaded.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Savage OEM magazine comes with no additional accessories. There are no customization options available directly for the magazine itself. Users may consider aftermarket followers or springs, though compatibility is not guaranteed.
The magazine is designed to work with standard Savage rifle magazine wells. It is compatible with most AICS-pattern chassis systems, offering some flexibility in rifle configuration. The lack of included accessories or customization options is a drawback, limiting the user’s ability to tailor the magazine to their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
Pros
- Guaranteed compatibility with Savage rifles.
- Increased 10-round capacity.
- Relatively lightweight.
- Easy to disassemble and clean.
- Affordable compared to high-end aftermarket options.
Cons
- Stiff spring makes loading the 10th round difficult.
- Occasional feeding issues, especially with certain ammunition.
- Polymer construction feels somewhat cheap.
- Magazine lips appear prone to deformation.
Who Should Buy Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin?
The Savage OEM magazine is perfect for Savage rifle owners looking for a simple and affordable way to increase their magazine capacity. It is suitable for range use, target practice, and some competitive shooting scenarios. Hunters who require more than the standard 4-round capacity may also find it useful.
Those who should skip this product include competitive shooters seeking maximum reliability and performance, and those who prioritize premium build quality and durability. If you’re after the absolute best, look towards Accuracy International magazines.
A must-have modification would be to find an aftermarket spring to replace the incredibly stiff factory spring. While this will require some research to ensure reliable compatibility, it could vastly improve the experience and reliability of this magazine.
Conclusion on Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin
The Savage OEM 6.5 Creed, 308 Win Savage ,12,14,10,11 10rd Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black, OEM Origin offers a straightforward solution for increasing magazine capacity in compatible Savage rifles. While it provides adequate performance for many shooters, its stiff spring and occasional feeding issues prevent it from reaching its full potential.
At $67.49, the price is justified for those seeking a guaranteed-compatible, higher-capacity magazine. However, those demanding top-tier reliability and build quality may be better served by investing in higher-end aftermarket options.
I would cautiously recommend it, with the caveat that buyers should be aware of its limitations. It’s a functional upgrade, but not a game-changer. If you are on a budget and simply need more rounds, this will do the trick. But don’t expect perfection. Explore other options if top-tier performance is crucial for your shooting needs!