Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish Review

Beyond Specs: Living with the Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish

As an equipment specialist with over a decade immersed in diverse, demanding environments—from rugged outdoor expeditions to the controlled precision of laboratory settings and the grit of workshop floors—I approach each piece of gear with a critical eye honed by real-world application. My recent acquisition, the Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish, was not an impulse buy, but a necessary upgrade to complement a specific platform I was outfitting. The need was for a reliable, precisely manufactured magazine capable of handling the potent .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge without faltering under pressure.

My previous experiences with proprietary rifle magazines have been a mixed bag, often leading to feeding issues or durability concerns with less reputable brands. The thought of a high-capacity magazine for a rifle chambered in such a powerful round necessitated a focus on robust construction and meticulous engineering. I considered a few generic alternatives, but ultimately, the specificity of the Savage Arms design for their 110 BA and 111 Long Range Hunter models made this particular magazine the only viable option. My first impression upon unboxing was one of understated quality: a solid, weighty feel and a uniform matte blued finish that spoke of careful manufacturing.

Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds were the familiar confines of a controlled shooting range, specifically set up for long-range precision. The scenario involved loading and unloading the magazine multiple times, simulating both rapid fire and deliberate single shots, to assess its feeding characteristics with .338 Lapua Magnum ammunition. I paid close attention to how smoothly the cartridges seated and chambered, and more importantly, how reliably they were presented for firing.

The Savage magazine performed admirably under these conditions. It seated firmly into the rifle with a satisfying click, and the rounds fed without any discernible resistance or hesitation. I experienced no jams, misfeeds, or other mechanical hiccups during this initial phase, which, for such a powerful caliber, is a testament to its design. Its ease of use was immediately apparent; there was no awkward fumbling required to insert it or load it, a crucial factor when you’re focused on shot placement.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into months, and this magazine became a regular fixture during my range sessions. It has endured numerous cycles of loading, firing, and unloading, often under varying atmospheric conditions, from dry heat to the occasional light drizzle, without any significant impact on its performance. The steel construction and matte blued finish have held up remarkably well, showing only minor cosmetic scuffs from being handled and stored, but no signs of structural compromise.

Maintaining this magazine is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a cleaning cloth and a light application of a firearm lubricant is all that’s needed to keep it in top operational condition. Compared to some polymer magazines I’ve used in the past, which can sometimes develop stiffness or hairline cracks with repeated stress, this all-steel unit feels inherently more durable. It has consistently outperformed less robust aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered for other rifle platforms, offering a level of reliability that justifies its cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish

Specifications

The Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish is engineered with specific requirements in mind. It boasts a 5-round capacity, which is a standard and practical choice for precision shooting, balancing follow-up shot capability with magazine size and weight. The caliber it’s designed for is the formidable .338 Lapua Magnum, a round demanding robust feeding and extraction.

The manufacturer is none other than Savage Arms, a company with a long-standing reputation in firearms manufacturing. Its finish is a durable matte blued treatment over its steel construction, providing a non-reflective surface and corrosion resistance. This particular magazine is made for Savage brand rifles, specifically the Model 110 BA and Model 111 Long Range Hunter.

These specifications are critical for performance. The 5-round capacity is ideal for bench rest shooting or hunting scenarios where rapid fire isn’t the primary objective, keeping the overall length manageable and the weight down compared to higher-capacity options. The all-steel construction is paramount for handling the significant pressures generated by the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, ensuring it won’t deform or fail under stress. The matte blued finish is not just aesthetic; it reduces glare, which can be a distraction during precise aiming.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function—reliably feeding ammunition—the Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish excels. Its primary job is to present cartridges to the rifle’s bolt smoothly and consistently, and it executes this flawlessly. The interaction between the magazine lips, the follower, and the feed ramp of the rifle is seamless, virtually eliminating the possibility of feeding failures.

The main strength of this magazine lies in its unwavering reliability. It performs its intended function without fuss, which is precisely what you need when engaging targets at extended distances. Its weakness, if one could call it that, is its specific application; it is designed only for the aforementioned Savage rifles, meaning it’s not a universal component. It meets and exceeds expectations for its intended use, offering consistent performance that instills confidence.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish is straightforward and functional, prioritizing durability. The all-steel construction gives it a substantial feel, conveying a sense of robust build quality. The matte blued finish is not only practical for reducing glare but also feels good to the touch, offering a slight grip without being overly rough.

Ergonomically, it’s designed to integrate perfectly with the Savage 110 BA and 111 LR platforms. Insertion and removal are intuitive, and the magazine sits flush without any excessive play or wobble, which is crucial for maintaining consistent feeding geometry. The follower mechanism is well-engineered, guiding the cartridges up without snagging. There are no complex controls or hidden parts, making it easy to handle and manage even with gloves on.

Durability & Maintenance

This steel magazine is built for longevity. Under normal use for its intended purpose—precision shooting or hunting—it should last for many thousands of rounds. The robust steel construction means it’s resistant to the kind of warping or cracking that can plague lesser materials.

Maintenance is minimal. Keeping it clean and lightly oiled prevents rust and ensures smooth operation of the follower. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points; the design is simple and has proven very reliable. The only real concern would be dropping it onto very hard surfaces repeatedly, but even then, its solid build should mitigate most damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a dedicated factory magazine, the Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish doesn’t typically come with extensive accessories or customization options itself. Its primary “accessory” is the rifle it’s designed for. However, its purpose is to provide reliable feeding, and it does that exceptionally well out of the box.

There are no aftermarket modifications I would consider for this specific magazine; its strength lies in its purpose-built design. For shooters looking to enhance their experience, the focus would be on complementary accessories for the rifle itself, such as high-quality optics, bipods, or custom stocks, rather than modifying the magazine.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish

Who Should Buy Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish?

This magazine is an absolute must-have for any owner of a Savage Arms 110 BA or 111 Long Range Hunter rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. It is ideally suited for precision shooters, hunters who pursue large game at extended ranges, and anyone prioritizing extreme reliability and build quality for their rifle. If you demand unwavering performance from your firearm, especially when dealing with a potent cartridge like the .338 Lapua, this magazine delivers.

Conversely, if you own a different rifle model or are looking for a universal magazine, this product is not for you. Those seeking higher capacity for rapid-fire situations might also find the 5-round limit restrictive. I would recommend ensuring you have at least two of these magazines; owning a spare is always wise for prolonged range sessions or critical hunting trips.

Conclusion on Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish

The Savage Arms 55190 110BA/111 LR Hunter 338 Lapua 5 Rd Matte Blued Finish is, in my expert opinion, an exemplary piece of equipment. Its robust steel construction, precise fit for its intended Savage rifles, and, most importantly, its consistent and flawless performance with the demanding .338 Lapua Magnum round make it an indispensable component. The $144.79 price point might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the engineering, materials, and the peace of mind that comes with guaranteed reliability for such a powerful rifle, the value proposition is clear.

I would absolutely recommend this magazine to any owner of the specified Savage rifles. It’s not just a part; it’s an investment in the dependable functionality of your firearm, ensuring that when you pull the trigger, you can trust that the next round will be chambered flawlessly. If you own one of these rifles, don’t settle for less; get the genuine article and experience the confidence it provides.