Lakefield/Savage 64B questions

[aric84]

I couldn't find a direct answer to these questions at all anywhere, so figured I would try here. I'm probably going to be picking up an older Lakefield 64b and was wondering if :

a) Is there a last shot hold open feature? Couldn't really tell from any vids I have seen posted or mentioned anywhere online.

b) I see the barrel is easy to remove during disassembly, how exactly is it affixed when assembled? Action screws clamp it in place?

c) I have read anecdotal accounts of magazine wear on the newer models. I know mags are cheap, but was wondering if they wear after a couple thousand rounds or tens of thousands?

 

[Steiner]

1. No last shot hold open
2. Page 7 of manual, see part #78 here:
http://www.savagearms.com/various/documents/manual_autoloader.pdf
3. My mags have lasted at least several thousand rounds. It's never been a problem. Sometimes on a new mag I had to file the ramp alittle for a better feed angle. If I had to put a number on it I would say I have gotten at least 10k out of each mag.
I've had good experiences with my two 64b's (over 20yrs) and do not plan to part with them it.

 

[aric84]

Excellent, thanks for the info. I guess I'll have to see how well the barrel clamp works, though I have never heard of any major problems with it. Good to know about the mags too, I guess I'll pick up a few and it should last me 40 years.

Looking forward to playing around and learning about the rifle. Been thinking I might try and design a drop in kit for it at work, make it competitive with the Ruger and 597 conversions out there. Dreaming, but would still be fun!