Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish Review

First Impressions of the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish

As a long-time gear enthusiast with a penchant for reliable firearm accessories, I’m always on the lookout for components that blend solid functionality with sensible pricing. My personal collection of .22 LR rifles, primarily bolt-action models used for plinking and small-game hunting, recently highlighted a recurring need: consistent and dependable magazine performance. This led me to the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish, a magazine promising durability and a snug fit for a range of Savage and Lakefield firearms. I was particularly drawn to its straightforward design and the manufacturer’s reputation for producing no-nonsense equipment.

While other brands offer higher capacity magazines for .22 rifles, I found myself needing more of the standard, smaller capacity options for certain field scenarios where precise shot placement and a lower profile were paramount. The idea of having a few extra 5-round magazines readily available felt like a practical solution to keep my range sessions uninterrupted and my hunting trips more efficient. Many of my existing magazines, while functional, were showing signs of age and required more careful handling.

Upon receiving the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish, my first impression was one of robust simplicity. The blued steel construction felt solid in hand, with no obvious rough edges or cosmetic blemishes. It had a satisfying weight that suggested it could withstand the rigors of regular use without complaint. Compared to some plastic alternatives I’d encountered, this steel construction felt like a significant upgrade in terms of perceived longevity. My initial reaction was one of quiet satisfaction; it looked exactly like what it claimed to be: a dependable piece of equipment.

Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish took place on a crisp autumn afternoon at my local outdoor range. The primary rifle for this evaluation was my trusty Savage MKII FV-SR, a platform known for its accuracy and ease of use. I loaded the magazine with standard 40-grain lead round nose .22 LR ammunition, ensuring each round seated smoothly into the follower.

The magazine slid into the rifle’s well with a reassuring click, indicating a precise fit. Cycling the bolt revealed no binding or resistance, and the follower moved freely throughout the travel. In terms of performance, this 5-round unit fed rounds flawlessly through several magazines’ worth of firing. Even when I attempted some rapid firing sequences, the magazine kept pace without a single hiccup, a testament to its reliable feeding mechanism.

There were no surprises or quirks during this first use; the experience was remarkably straightforward. It performed exactly as expected, integrating seamlessly with the rifle and allowing me to focus entirely on my shooting. The ease of use was immediate; no break-in period or special adjustments were necessary for this particular magazine.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several months, this Savage Arms magazine has seen consistent use across various scenarios. It’s been a regular fixture during plinking sessions at the range, occasional squirrel hunts, and even during some backyard target practice sessions with my younger nieces and nephews. During these extended periods, the magazine has held up exceptionally well, showing minimal signs of wear.

The blued finish has resisted minor scuffs and scrapes encountered from being dropped once on a gravelly patch during a hunt (a moment of pure user error, I admit). Despite this incident, there were no structural compromises or visible damage that affected its function. The internal spring remains robust, consistently pushing rounds up for reliable feeding, and the follower continues to glide smoothly.

Maintenance for this magazine is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is usually sufficient to keep the steel construction protected and free from debris. The capacity of 5 rounds is ideal for teaching new shooters, as it limits the ammunition load and allows for more deliberate practice. Compared to older, higher-capacity magazines I’ve used, which sometimes suffer from follower tilt or weaker springs, this smaller unit has proven far more dependable.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish

Specifications

The Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish is a straightforward component designed for reliable performance. It features a 5-round capacity, which is ample for many common .22 LR shooting activities. The primary material is durable steel, finished with a blued coating that offers both aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance.

This steel construction is crucial for the magazine’s longevity and ability to withstand repeated use and handling. The blued finish provides a classic look while also serving a protective function against rust and minor abrasions. For those familiar with firearm magazines, the 5-round capacity is a standard and practical choice, offering a good balance between ammunition availability and manageable size.

The magazine is specifically designed for Savage and Lakefield Mark II, 501, 504, and 900 series bolt-action repeaters chambered in .22 Long Rifle and .17 Mach 2. This targeted compatibility ensures a precise fit, which is paramount for reliable feeding. Its compact nature means it doesn’t protrude excessively from the rifle, making it less prone to accidental damage in the field.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function, the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish performs exceptionally well. It consistently delivers rounds to the chamber without any feeding issues, even during rapid firing sequences. The follower guides the cartridges smoothly, and the spring provides sufficient tension throughout its travel.

A key strength is its unwavering reliability. I have yet to experience a single jam or misfeed with this magazine when used in a compatible rifle. This level of performance instills confidence, especially when hunting or when accuracy is critical. The 5-round capacity also contributes to its functionality by making manual loading and unloading straightforward.

While it excels at its core function, there are no advanced features that would dramatically alter performance beyond expected reliability. It meets and arguably exceeds expectations for a standard capacity magazine of this type, especially considering its accessible price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this Savage Arms magazine is a study in utilitarian elegance. Its all-steel build feels substantial and well-made, with the blued finish offering a smooth, matte black appearance. The dimensions are compact, fitting flush or nearly flush within the rifle’s magazine well.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for practical insertion and removal. The follower is brightly colored (often orange or red, though this can vary), providing a visual indicator of the remaining rounds, which is a thoughtful touch. The baseplate is integrated smoothly into the body, with no sharp edges.

Practical design elements like the robust spring and well-formed follower ensure smooth cycling of ammunition. There is a slight tactile confirmation when fully seated in the rifle, assuring the user it’s locked in place. The lack of complex mechanisms contributes to its ease of use and durability.

Durability & Maintenance

The Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish is built to last. Its steel construction is inherently durable, and the blued finish adds a layer of protection against the elements and minor impacts. Under normal use, this magazine should provide years of reliable service.

Maintenance is minimal and straightforward. Regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris, followed by a light application of gun oil to the exterior and inside the feed lips, will keep it in optimal condition. The internal spring should retain its tension for a considerable lifespan, given its design and capacity.

Potential failure points are few, primarily related to extreme abuse or prolonged neglect of cleaning. The feed lips are robust, but excessive force during magazine changes or rough handling could theoretically cause damage over a very long time. However, for the intended purpose and typical user, the durability is more than adequate.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product, the Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish, is a standalone component and does not typically come with additional accessories. Its purpose is to serve as a direct replacement or spare for compatible Savage and Lakefield firearms.

Customization options for this particular magazine are generally limited to replacement parts like the follower or spring, should they ever need servicing individually. It is designed to work seamlessly within its intended rifle platforms without requiring modification. The focus here is on reliable, out-of-the-box functionality rather than user-configurable features.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish

Who Should Buy Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish?

This magazine is an excellent choice for owners of Savage Mark II, 501, 504, and 900 series bolt-action rifles chambered in .22 Long Rifle or .17 Mach 2. It is particularly well-suited for shooters who prioritize reliability and durability in their firearm accessories. Enthusiasts who enjoy plinking, small-game hunting, or teaching new shooters will appreciate the manageable 5-round capacity and dependable performance.

Those who require high-capacity magazines for competitive shooting or extended varmint control might find the 5-round capacity limiting. Also, individuals seeking a universal magazine that fits a wide array of .22 LR bolt-action rifles should look elsewhere, as this model is designed for specific firearm models. For owners of compatible rifles, investing in a few extra steel magazines ensures uninterrupted range time and preparedness in the field.

Conclusion on Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish

The Savage Arms 90005 MKII 22 Long Rifle 5 Rd Blued Finish stands out as a testament to straightforward, effective firearm accessory design. It delivers on its promise of reliability and durability, offering a consistently positive feeding experience for compatible Savage and Lakefield rifles. The steel construction and blued finish speak to its robust build quality, and its precise fitment within the intended rifle platforms eliminates common frustration points.

Considering its $32.84 price point, the value proposition is undeniable. It offers a level of performance and longevity that far exceeds what one might expect from a budget-friendly magazine. I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to any owner of a compatible Savage or Lakefield bolt-action rifle who is seeking a dependable spare or replacement. It’s a component that allows you to focus on the shooting, not on potential equipment failures.