Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round Review

Testing the Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round: What You Need to Know

The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is a critical component for Savage Model 93 owners looking for reliable ammunition feeding for their .17 HMR or .22 WMR firearms. As an experienced gear specialist, I’ve encountered countless magazines, and this particular unit from Savage Arms presents a familiar, yet functional, offering for its intended platform. My acquisition of this magazine stemmed from a need for a dependable spare, a common scenario for any firearm enthusiast who understands the value of having backup components readily available.

My initial impression upon handling this magazine was one of straightforward utility. The construction felt robust enough for its purpose, although not overly refined in its finishing. Compared to some of the aftermarket options I’ve experimented with in the past, this factory Savage unit offered a degree of familiarity and a promise of OEM compatibility. The slight feeling of “sloppiness” mentioned by some users resonated with my own experience, a common trait in this particular firearm platform that doesn’t necessarily indicate a fault, but rather a design characteristic. Overall, my first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, anticipating its performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round to the Test

My testing primarily took place on a familiar outdoor range, specifically with a Savage Model 93 bolt-action rifle chambered in .17 HMR. The conditions were typical for a late spring day – mild temperatures, a gentle breeze, and dry terrain, allowing me to focus purely on the magazine’s feeding performance. I subjected it to repeated cycles of loading and firing, simulating a focused plinking session and some rapid follow-up shots to check for any feeding anomalies.

The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round proved to be a straightforward addition to my kit. Insertion into the rifle was smooth, with a satisfying click that indicated proper seating. Ejecting the empty magazine was equally uneventful, a small but important detail for smooth operation.

First Use Experience

My initial use involved loading the magazine to its full 5 Round capacity. The cartridges seated with a reassuring resistance, and there was no discernible binding or pressure on the feed lips, which can sometimes be an issue with lesser magazines. I performed several dry-fire drills to check the action without live ammunition, and the bolt cycled rounds from the magazine with consistent smoothness. This initial test suggested that the magazine was well within acceptable tolerances for reliable feeding, a crucial aspect for any firearm component.

When live fire commenced, the results were largely positive. The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round fed cartridges into the chamber without a single hiccup during my range session. Each shot cycled as expected, and the bolt manipulation was clean and unobstructed. I specifically paid attention to the edge finish and the alignment of the feed rails, noting the sharpness and slight misalignments mentioned in user feedback, but these did not translate into functional issues during my tests.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the course of several range days and a few more extended plinking sessions, this magazine has continued to perform admirably. I’ve loaded and unloaded it dozens of times, and the spring tension remains consistent, ensuring reliable presentation of rounds. The unit has been exposed to the usual dust and residue present at an outdoor range, but this has not noticeably impacted its feeding capability.

Durability-wise, the Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round has shown no significant signs of wear and tear. The polymer baseplate is solid, and the metal body exhibits only minor scuffs from being handled and dropped onto a padded shooting mat on one occasion – no cracks or deformities resulted. Its maintenance is as simple as any other detachable magazine: a quick wipe down with a cloth to remove debris and a check for any visible damage. There’s nothing complex about it, which is exactly what you want in a spare magazine.

Compared to some budget aftermarket magazines I’ve used for other firearms, this factory Savage unit feels more robust. While not as refined as some premium, competition-grade magazines, it certainly surpasses the performance and durability of many cheaper alternatives. It offers a good balance of cost and reliability for the Savage Model 93 platform.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round

Specifications

The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is designed specifically for the Savage Model 93 rifle. Its primary specification is its 5 Round capacity, making it a compact and manageable option for various shooting scenarios. The magazine is constructed from durable materials, with a stainless steel (SS) body, which is a significant plus for corrosion resistance in varied environments.

This model is compatible with both the .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) and the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) calibers, offering versatility for owners of these Savage firearms. The manufacturer, Savage Arms, ensures a factory fit and finish, which generally leads to better reliability and compatibility than generic alternatives. The overall dimensions are compact, fitting flush within the rifle’s magazine well for a streamlined profile.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is to reliably feed ammunition into the rifle’s chamber. In my testing, it excelled at this task. The 5 Round capacity is ideal for hunting or plinking where continuous high-volume fire isn’t the primary goal, but rather controlled accuracy and efficiency.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its straightforward operation and consistent feeding. Rounds are presented smoothly to the bolt, and I experienced zero feeding failures during my usage. A minor weakness, as noted by others and observed by myself, is the slightly “sloppy” fit within the magazine well in some rifles, though this did not affect functionality. The machined edges, while sometimes feeling a touch sharp, did not interfere with the magazine’s operation or the shooter’s ergonomics during use.

This magazine meets and, in terms of reliability, arguably exceeds expectations for a factory spare part. Considering its price point and its direct compatibility with the Savage Model 93, it offers solid performance for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is functional and utilitarian. The stainless steel construction lends an air of durability, and the baseplate is a simple, robust polymer piece that is comfortable enough to handle during reloads. The follower mechanism moves freely within the magazine body, indicating good internal tolerances for guiding the cartridges.

Ergonomically, the magazine is easy to grip and insert into the rifle. The slight looseness in the mag well on some rifles, while not ideal for a precision feel, doesn’t impede quick magazine changes. The lack of any complex features means there’s virtually no learning curve; it simply works as intended once inserted correctly.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless steel construction, the Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is built for longevity under normal use conditions for rimfire firearms. It’s resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a practical choice for use in various weather conditions. As mentioned, cleaning is straightforward – a simple wipe-down is usually sufficient.

There are no obvious points of failure in its design. The spring and follower are typical for this type of magazine, and unless subjected to extreme abuse, it should provide years of reliable service. Potential concerns might arise if the follower or spring were to become significantly damaged or obstructed, but this is unlikely with regular care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round typically comes as a single unit, with no additional accessories included. Customization options for this specific magazine are virtually non-existent, as it’s a factory-designed component meant to work seamlessly with its designated firearm. There are no alternative baseplates, extended capacities, or other modifications readily available for this model. Its strength lies in its direct, no-nonsense functionality as supplied by the manufacturer.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round

Who Should Buy Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round?

This magazine is ideally suited for owners of Savage Model 93 rifles chambered in .17 HMR or .22 WMR who are seeking a reliable spare or replacement magazine. It’s perfect for casual shooters, plinkers, and hunters who value dependable ammunition feeding and the peace of mind that comes with using a factory original part. The 5 Round capacity makes it a sensible choice for those who prioritize control and efficiency over high-volume fire.

Anyone needing a magazine for a Savage Model 93 in these calibers should consider this unit. Those who might want to skip this product are individuals who specifically require a higher ammunition capacity per magazine, or who demand a perfectly snug, rattle-free fit in their rifle’s magazine well and are willing to pay a premium for potentially specialized aftermarket solutions that may or may not offer superior reliability. For those on the fence, a must-have accessory to complement this magazine would be a basic rifle cleaning kit to ensure its longevity and continued smooth operation.

Conclusion on Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round

The Savage Arms Magazine 93MAG 22M/17HMR SS 5 Round is a solid, functional piece of equipment that reliably fulfills its intended purpose. Its stainless steel construction and factory-designed compatibility with the Savage Model 93 offer good durability and predictable performance. While the occasional slightly loose fit and sharp edges might be noted, these are minor points that do not detract from its primary function: feeding ammunition accurately and consistently.

The value proposition here is clear; for its price, you receive a genuine Savage Arms component that performs as expected, providing a crucial backup for your firearm. I would personally recommend this magazine to any Savage Model 93 owner needing an additional 5-round magazine. It’s a no-fuss, dependable choice that ensures your rifle stays in the fight, whether at the range or in the field.