Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round Review

Beyond Specs: Living with the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round

As an equipment specialist with over a decade spent wrestling with gear across diverse environments, I’ve learned that the devil, and often the delight, is in the details. For years, my Savage Mark II .22 LR has been a reliable companion for various plinking and informal target sessions. However, the standard 5-round magazine, while functional, always felt like it interrupted the flow. I found myself constantly reloading, which, while a good way to practice magazine changes, could become tedious during extended range days or when trying to maintain focus on accuracy. This need for a more sustained shooting experience, without the frequent fumbling for spare magazines, led me to the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round.

My initial impression upon unboxing this ten-round magazine was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. The stainless steel finish felt robust and hinted at durability, a crucial trait for any firearm accessory. It wasn’t adorned with flashy logos or unnecessary embellishments, just a straightforward design clearly built for function. I had considered generic aftermarket options, but the risk of poor fit or unreliability with a critical component like a magazine made me lean towards sticking with a genuine Savage Arms product. This was about seamless integration, not a gamble. My first thought was a quiet sense of relief: this looked like it would solve the minor, yet persistent, annoyance of the 5-round capacity.

Real-World Testing: Putting Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the new magazine was at my local outdoor range, a familiar environment with well-maintained shooting benches and covered firing lines. I loaded it up with standard .22 LR bulk pack ammunition, the kind I often use for practice sessions. The magazine slid into the Savage Mark II with a satisfying, positive click, seating firmly without any wobble or excessive force.

The difference was immediately apparent. Ten rounds meant fewer interruptions between strings of fire, allowing me to maintain a steadier rhythm. I experienced no feeding issues whatsoever during the initial box of ammunition, with each round cycling smoothly from the magazine into the chamber. The extended capacity made practice more efficient, allowing me to concentrate on my sight picture and trigger control without the constant distraction of reloading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, spanning multiple range trips and even a few informal squirrel hunting excursions (where legal and ethical, of course), this Savage magazine has proven itself to be a workhorse. I’ve loaded and unloaded it countless times, sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions, like slightly damp hands or in the field where a bit of dust might find its way onto it. Despite this, it has consistently performed without a hitch.

There are no visible signs of wear and tear that would affect its function; the stainless steel remains unblemished, and the follower moves with the same smooth action it did on day one. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down and occasional light lubrication is all it needs to maintain peak performance. Compared to some lesser-quality aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered for other firearms over the years, which often develop stiffness or feed issues after extensive use, this 10-round unit from Savage has held up exceptionally well. It truly embodies the “set it and forget it” mentality for a firearm accessory.

Breaking Down the Features of Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round

Specifications

The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round is designed specifically for Savage Mark II rifles chambered in .22 Long Rifle and .17 Mach 2. It boasts a 10-round capacity, which is its primary advantage over the standard 5-round offerings. Constructed from durable stainless steel, this magazine is built to resist corrosion and withstand the rigors of regular use in various environments.

The magazine’s design emphasizes a smooth and effortless release, attributed to an “advanced spring” and an innovative design that ensures the spring is properly seated to the bolt. This means reliable feeding cycle after cycle, crucial for maintaining shooting momentum. The color is stainless steel, which not only looks good but also contributes to its longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of any magazine is to reliably feed ammunition into the firearm, and this Savage magazine performs this task admirably. Its 10-round capacity significantly enhances the shooting experience by reducing the frequency of reloads. This allows for longer strings of fire, which is beneficial for both practice and hunting scenarios where quick follow-up shots might be necessary.

The performance is consistently excellent; I haven’t encountered any misfeeds or jams directly attributable to the magazine itself across various ammunition types. The stainless steel construction contributes to its reliability, as it’s less susceptible to degradation from moisture or handling compared to blued steel or polymer magazines. This unit meets and often exceeds expectations, particularly for those looking to maximize their shooting time without sacrificing reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round is focused on functionality and compatibility with the Savage Mark II platform. The stainless steel build gives it a substantial feel without being overly heavy. The external dimensions are well-proportioned, allowing it to fit snugly into the rifle’s magazine well.

While it’s a mechanical device and not particularly ergonomic in the traditional sense, its ease of use is undeniable. Loading the 10 rounds is straightforward, and the magazine seating and release within the rifle are smooth and intuitive. The finish is consistent, and there are no rough edges or points that could snag or cause discomfort during handling or reloading.

Durability & Maintenance

In terms of durability, this magazine feels like it’s built to last. The stainless steel is a key indicator of its resilience against rust and wear. After numerous cycles of loading, firing, and unloading, the internal spring still retains its tension, and the follower glides smoothly.

Maintenance is minimal, which is ideal for a piece of equipment you want to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. A simple wipe-down after use is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning, disassembling the magazine is generally straightforward, allowing for access to the spring and follower if needed, though I haven’t found this necessary yet. I’ve seen some magazines become stiff over time, but this Savage magazine shows no signs of that, even after considerable use in varying temperatures.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a factory-produced magazine, the Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round is designed for direct integration and doesn’t typically come with accessories or extensive customization options itself. Its primary role is to interface directly with the Savage Mark II rifle. There are no user-replaceable parts beyond potential internal cleaning or spring replacement if issues were to arise over a very long lifespan, which is uncommon for these types of magazines.

The compatibility is solely with the specified Savage rifle models. While aftermarket stocks or sights for the rifle are common, modifications to the magazine itself are rare and generally unnecessary. The beauty of this magazine lies in its seamless integration and reliable performance right out of the box.

Pros and Cons of Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round

Who Should Buy Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round?

This magazine is an excellent choice for any owner of a Savage Mark II rifle who wants to enhance their shooting experience. It’s particularly well-suited for recreational plinkers who find themselves reloading too often during a range session. Hunters who use the Mark II for small game will also appreciate the extended capacity, allowing for quicker follow-up shots if needed.

However, those who primarily use their Mark II in competitions that mandate strict magazine limits might not benefit from this higher capacity. Similarly, if you only shoot very infrequently and the 5-round capacity is adequate for your needs, the higher cost might not be justified. For users needing a simple, reliable upgrade to their Savage Mark II, this magazine is a solid investment. It pairs well with good quality .22 LR ammunition for the best overall performance.

Conclusion on Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round

The Savage Arms Magazine MK II 22LR/17M2 SS 10 Round is a testament to thoughtful design and robust manufacturing, offering a tangible improvement over lower-capacity magazines for the Savage Mark II platform. Its 10-round capacity effectively extends shooting sessions and enhances overall efficiency without compromising the reliability synonymous with Savage Arms products. The stainless steel construction ensures it will endure through countless rounds and varying conditions.

Considering its performance, durability, and the seamless integration it provides, the price point, while perhaps higher than some generic options, is well justified by its quality and functionality. For any Savage Mark II owner looking to enjoy more uninterrupted shooting or improve their small game hunting readiness, I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine. It’s a straightforward upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.