How I Used the Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine and What I Found
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time with firearms in various environments, from static range sessions to more dynamic field applications, reliable feeding mechanisms are paramount. My trusty Savage A17 chambered in .17HMR has been a staple for varmint control and recreational plinking, but the standard 10-round magazines always felt a bit limiting. I was constantly swapping them out, breaking my flow and sometimes missing crucial follow-up shots. This led me to search for a higher-capacity solution that wouldn’t compromise the rifle’s excellent performance.
My initial search focused on magazines that offered more rounds without drastically altering the rifle’s handling or introducing feeding issues. I considered a few other aftermarket options, but many lacked the specific design integration for the A17 platform or had mixed reviews regarding reliability. The Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine stood out due to its advertised capacity and the manufacturer’s reputation for producing durable firearm accessories. Upon receiving this unit, my first impression was positive; the polymer construction felt robust, and the overall design seemed well-thought-out, hinting at a straightforward integration with my rifle.
Real-World Testing: Putting Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment with controlled conditions. I loaded the Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine with fresh .17HMR ammunition, noting the somewhat stiff, but manageable, insertion of each round. The integrated loading assist lever proved to be a welcome addition, making the process significantly easier, especially as I neared full capacity.
The magazine seated firmly into the Savage A17’s mag well without any excessive force or looseness. The first few magazines were fired rapidly to gauge feeding reliability and any potential lag. The unit performed admirably, cycling through the rounds without a single hiccup, a welcome change from the frequent reloads of the smaller capacity magazines.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several subsequent range days and a weekend trip focused on pest control, this 25-round magazine became my go-to. It handled repeated insertions and removals from the rifle, as well as being dropped (accidentally, of course) onto a gravel surface once without any apparent structural damage. The feeding remained consistently smooth across different brands of .17HMR ammunition I tested.
Durability has been impressive. Despite being exposed to a light morning dew and the general dust of a rural range, there have been no signs of corrosion or degradation. Maintenance is straightforward; a simple field strip and a quick wipe down with a silicone cloth are all that’s needed. Compared to some less expensive, generic magazines I’ve used in the past, this Butler Creek unit exhibits a much higher level of build quality and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine
Specifications
The Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine boasts a 25-round capacity, a significant upgrade from the standard 10-round magazines. This allows for extended shooting sessions without interruption, which is invaluable for varmint hunting or extended range practice. It is specifically designed for the Savage A17 rifle, ensuring a precise fit and reliable function.
The magazine features a durable black polymer construction, offering a good balance of weight and resilience. Internally, it utilizes a stainless steel spring and a metal header and feed lips to ensure consistent and reliable feeding of the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17HMR) cartridge. A clear remaining round indicator is integrated into the side, providing a quick visual cue of how many rounds are left, preventing unexpected dry fires.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary role of reliably feeding ammunition into the Savage A17, this magazine excels. The 25-round capacity is the most significant performance enhancement, drastically reducing the need for manual reloads. The stainless steel spring and metal feed lips contribute to a consistent and reliable presentation of rounds to the bolt, even during rapid firing sequences.
The strengths of this unit lie in its capacity and dependable feeding. The remaining round indicator is a small but highly practical feature that genuinely improves the user experience. While it performs its main function exceptionally well, one minor area for potential improvement could be the initial stiffness when loading the last few rounds, though the included loading assist lever mitigates this considerably.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine is functional and robust. The black polymer body feels solid in hand, offering a comfortable grip and good durability against impacts. Its extended length, necessitated by the higher capacity, does alter the rifle’s profile slightly but does not significantly impede handling or stability.
The integration of the red loading assist lever is a key ergonomic feature. This lever reduces the finger fatigue typically associated with loading high-capacity magazines, making the process much more comfortable. The textured surface of the magazine body provides a secure grip, even with gloved hands, which is crucial in outdoor or variable weather conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is a strong suit for this magazine. The polymer construction is designed to withstand the rigors of field use, and the metal feed lips and spring suggest longevity. After extensive use, there are no signs of cracking, warping, or significant wear on the critical feeding surfaces.
Maintenance is minimal, which is ideal for a firearm accessory. Cleaning typically involves disassembling the magazine (which is straightforward) and wiping down the internal components and body. Ensuring the stainless steel spring is free of debris is important for sustained reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary included “accessory” is the integrated red loading assist lever, a feature that greatly enhances usability. Additionally, the design allows for two magazines to be connected together for an even faster reload process, effectively doubling the immediate firepower. This linking feature is particularly useful for competitive shooting or extended hunting trips where quick magazine changes are essential.
There are no other significant customization options for the magazine itself, as it’s designed as a direct replacement or upgrade for the Savage A17’s factory magazines. The compatibility for linking two magazines is a built-in enhancement that adds significant value.
Pros and Cons of Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Significantly increased capacity: The 25-round capacity allows for prolonged shooting without frequent reloads.
- Reliable feeding: Features a stainless steel spring and metal feed lips for consistent ammunition delivery.
- Integrated loading assist: The red loading assist lever makes filling the magazine much easier and less strenuous.
- Remaining round indicator: A practical feature for quick status checks of ammunition levels.
- Connectable design: Allows two magazines to be linked for rapid fire and quick swaps.
- Durable construction: Made from a robust black polymer for longevity and resilience.
Cons
- Initial loading stiffness: Can be a bit tight when loading the final rounds, though the assist lever helps.
- Bulkier profile: The extended magazine is longer than standard options, which may affect some carrying preferences.
Who Should Buy Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine?
This magazine is an excellent choice for Savage A17 owners who engage in varmint hunting, pest control, or extended recreational shooting sessions. Anyone looking to maximize their time on the target and minimize magazine changes will find significant benefit. Shooters who appreciate practical design features like loading aids will also be pleased.
Those who prioritize a low-profile rifle setup or who exclusively shoot from a benchrest with very short shooting strings might find the extended length unnecessary. However, for dynamic field use or general plinking where having more rounds readily available is advantageous, this unit is highly recommended. A good quality cleaning kit for firearms is always a wise accessory, especially for maintaining feeding reliability over time.
Conclusion on Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine
The Butler Creek Savage A17 .17HMR 25 Round Rifle Magazine is a superb upgrade for any Savage A17 owner seeking enhanced firepower and convenience. Its robust build, reliable feeding mechanism featuring a stainless steel spring and metal feed lips, and thoughtful additions like the loading assist lever and round indicator make it a standout product. The ability to link two magazines together further amplifies its utility, providing exceptional value.
Considering its performance, durability, and increased functionality, the price of $58.79 is more than justified. It reliably delivers on its promise of consistent feeding and extended capacity, significantly improving the shooting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to Savage A17 owners looking for a dependable, high-capacity solution that integrates seamlessly with their firearm.