Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish

For those of us who rely on our firearms for more than just a casual range day, having dependable feeding mechanisms is non-negotiable. My search for a reliable spare magazine for my Savage Model 16 bolt-action rifle led me to the Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish. It’s a seemingly simple piece of equipment, but its role is absolutely critical in ensuring a firearm performs as it should.

The need for this particular magazine arose during a recent extended shooting session. I discovered I only had one magazine readily available, which significantly hampered my ability to practice rapid follow-up shots and practical drills. Having a spare ready to go would eliminate that downtime and allow for a much more productive experience. I considered generic aftermarket magazines, but the potential for fitment issues and reliability concerns pushed me back towards sticking with a manufacturer-specified part.

Upon receiving the Savage Arms 55109, my initial impression was positive. The stainless steel finish immediately stood out, promising good resistance to the elements I often encounter. It felt solid in hand, with no obvious rough edges or loose parts, which is always a good sign for a component designed for repeated insertion and extraction. My immediate reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, a feeling that a potentially frustrating problem might just have found a straightforward solution.

Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing of this Savage magazine was primarily conducted at my local outdoor range, a familiar environment where consistent performance is key. I tested it across several different shooting sessions over a two-week period, focusing on how it integrated with my Savage Model 16 rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. This meant inserting and removing the magazine repeatedly, loading it to its 4-round capacity with various brands of ammunition, and cycling rounds through the action.

The magazine performed admirably in typical range conditions, which included dry, dusty air and occasional mild temperature fluctuations. There were no hiccups or feeding failures during these initial uses. It inserted smoothly into the rifle’s magazine well and released with a satisfying click, demonstrating good tolerances. The action cycled rounds without any binding or resistance, a crucial indicator of proper function.

As for ease of use, it was immediately intuitive. There was no steep learning curve; it functioned precisely as a detachable rifle magazine should. My only minor surprise was how tightly the rounds seated initially; it took a firm push to get the last round fully seated, which is not necessarily a bad thing as it suggests a snug fit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish has held up exceptionally well. I’ve continued to use it for practice drills, including quick reloads during target transitions, and it has remained a flawless performer. It’s become my go-to spare magazine, often being the one I load first for a range trip.

Durability has been excellent. Despite being dropped once on packed dirt from a height of about two feet (an accidental but realistic scenario), it showed only minor cosmetic scuffs on the stainless steel body. There were no cracks, no warping of the feed lips, and absolutely no degradation in its feeding performance. It still locks into the rifle securely and releases cleanly.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a cloth after a dusty range session is all that’s typically needed to keep it in top condition. The stainless steel construction means I don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion, unlike with blued steel magazines I’ve used in the past. Compared to some older, generic magazines I’ve had that developed stiffness or required constant fiddling, this Savage offering stands out for its consistent reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish

Specifications

The Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish is built with specific dimensions and materials to ensure compatibility and longevity. Its 4-round capacity is a key specification, making it ideal for situations where hunting regulations or practical shooting scenarios favor a limited magazine size. This capacity also helps manage ammunition during practice, encouraging more deliberate shot placement.

The magazine is constructed from stainless steel, a critical material choice that directly impacts its resistance to corrosion and wear. This is particularly important for firearms that might be exposed to varying weather conditions or used in environments where moisture is a concern. The detachable design allows for quick and easy reloading, a fundamental aspect of bolt-action rifle operation.

This specific magazine is designed to fit Savage Models 16, 12, and 14 rifles across several popular calibers, including .243, 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, and .308 Winchester. This broad compatibility simplifies the process of finding the right replacement or spare part for owners of these rifle platforms. The overall build quality feels robust, suggesting it’s designed for sustained use rather than being a disposable item.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function—feeding ammunition reliably—the Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish performs exceptionally well. It consistently delivers rounds to the chamber of my Savage Model 16 without any instances of jamming, misfeeds, or failure to eject. The magazine’s follower appears to be well-designed, guiding each cartridge smoothly into the path of the bolt.

One of its significant strengths is its smooth operation. There’s no perceptible play or wobble when inserted into the rifle, and the cartridges remain securely in place. This secure fit contributes directly to the reliability of feeding. A minor weakness, if one could call it that, is the initial resistance when loading the fourth round, which requires a firm push. However, this tightness also ensures that rounds are held firmly and are less prone to popping out accidentally.

For its intended purpose, this Savage magazine not only meets but often exceeds expectations. Considering its price point, the performance it offers is very competitive. It provides the dependable functionality that is crucial for any firearm owner who values consistent performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Savage magazine is focused on utility and durability. The stainless steel finish not only provides corrosion resistance but also gives it a clean, professional look. The materials feel substantial, conveying a sense of quality craftsmanship.

Ergonomically, it’s straightforward and functional. Inserting and removing it from the rifle is a fluid process, facilitated by the well-designed release mechanism of the rifle itself and the magazine’s precise dimensions. There’s no complex manipulation required; it simply works as it should.

Practical design details include the follower, which appears to be made of a durable polymer, ensuring smooth travel and proper engagement with the cartridges. The feed lips are precisely formed, crucial for ensuring the correct angle of presentation for each round into the chamber. While not a visually flashy component, its thoughtful design prioritizes reliable function over unnecessary aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, this Savage magazine is built to last under normal use for its intended category. As a spare or primary magazine for a bolt-action rifle, it’s designed to be repeatedly inserted, loaded, and fired. The robust stainless steel construction is the primary factor contributing to its expected longevity.

Maintenance is commendably simple, mainly involving keeping it clean from debris that could potentially impede its function. Given its corrosion-resistant material, it doesn’t require the meticulous oiling or rust prevention measures that blued steel components might demand. This makes it an easy item to maintain, even with infrequent use.

I haven’t encountered any significant failure points. The main potential concern for any magazine is damage to the feed lips, but the solid construction of this unit and the protection offered by the 4-round capacity design seem to mitigate that risk effectively. It’s a component that inspires confidence in its long-term reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish magazine itself is the core component; it doesn’t come with a wide array of accessories in the traditional sense. Its primary “accessory” is its inherent compatibility with Savage Arms’ Model 16, 12, and 14 rifles across multiple calibers. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself, such as interchangeable base plates or different follower types, as it’s designed as a complete, integrated unit.

However, its design allows for seamless integration with the rifle’s existing features. The 4-round capacity might be considered a feature that complements specific shooting styles or regulatory requirements rather than an accessory. Its value lies in its straightforward functionality and the reliability it offers right out of the box.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish

Who Should Buy Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish?

This Savage magazine is an excellent choice for owners of Savage Arms Model 16, 12, or 14 bolt-action rifles chambered in .243, 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, or .308 Winchester who prioritize reliability and durability. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who need a spare magazine that adheres to legal capacity limits and can withstand outdoor conditions. Shooters who engage in practical rifle training or simply want the peace of mind that comes with a factory-specified, high-quality spare part will also find it invaluable.

Those who might consider skipping this product would be individuals looking for the absolute lowest cost option regardless of material or brand, or perhaps those who specifically require a much higher magazine capacity for their particular rifle use. For someone owning a rifle from a different manufacturer or a different Savage model not listed in its compatibility, this magazine would obviously not be a suitable choice. I would recommend pairing this magazine with a simple magazine pouch for easy access during range trips or hunting excursions.

Conclusion on Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish

Overall, the Savage Arms 55109 16/12/14 243/7mm-08/6.5 Creed/260/308 4 Rd Stainless Finish is a high-quality, dependable component that lives up to the Savage Arms reputation for producing reliable firearm accessories. Its robust stainless steel construction, precise fit, and flawless feeding performance make it a worthwhile investment for any owner of a compatible Savage rifle. While the price may be a consideration for some, the durability and consistent functionality it provides justify the cost, especially when compared to the potential headaches of less reliable aftermarket options.

The value proposition is clear: you’re paying for peace of mind and guaranteed performance. I would readily recommend this magazine to anyone looking for a spare or replacement part for their Savage rifle. If you own one of the specified Savage models and need a magazine that you can absolutely count on, this particular unit is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.