Simple fix for Savage MkII 22lr mags

[Mystic Precision]

Simple fix to the Savage MkII 22lr mag problems. My main mags were starting to fall apart from use so decided to try an experiment to fix them. So far it has worked great.

A bit of epoxy steel on the spine. When starting to go solid, inserted back into the rifle (a bit of shoe polish or light oil in the mag well will help keep the mag from sticking). Check bolt close and with dummy rds, confirm cycling. Remove and insert a few times to make sure it works. Let it set.



The fit will be very tight so with small files and sandpaper, remove bedding from the sides and spine area until the mags insert easily. Check often and remove in small quantities. Once cured, the epoxy steel does file/sand nicely.



I use the fast cure twin syringe Lepages epoxy steel found most any hardware store. At Cdn Tire, there is a version from Permatex that works well too.



If you want an OEM look, you can fill and sand smooth then give it a coat of paint... But, I am not that fussy and unfinished will make it easier to spot any cracks if they develop.

For hunting, I would want them to not drop free just in case you hit the release while in the field. You can decide how much effort to pull out mag.

For rimfire PRS, I have set them to insert easily and drop free. This allows for very fast mag changes without fear of jams due to poor mag alignment.

I have essentially bedded the mag to the mag release lever which aligns the mag and controls its orientation in the action.

By bedding, you eliminate the excess rocking and twisting due to the amount of slop in the mag spine. This can allow the front of the mag to dive when closing the bolt and that cause jams.

Now the mags lock up positively and feeding is at 100%.. even with mags that were not reliable at all. Because of the CRF in the Savage bolt, you can run this as fast or as slow as you want.

As a bonus, the bedding compound should help keep the mag sides from opening due to the rivets loosening. The whole mag really feels solid now with no squishing

I have done some drop tests from the rifle and so far the epoxy steel is sticking well and holding. No replacement for welding but that is not readily available.

So a simple fix that now has my Savage running like a champ

Jerry

 

[Ribstaylor]

Savage mags kind of suck. I've seen savage 64 mags actually take chunks out of the tip of the bullet. And also fall out the rifle when it feeds the round to low into the lip of the mags feed ramp. Oh and they were sharp. like had to take sanding paper to them sharp.

 

[Mystic Precision]

I agree except I am talking about the MKII mags.

Different rifle. With this set up, bullets are chambering without any nose damage... and I have tested running the same batch of 10 through all the mags a few times so the ammo was cycled a lot.

Jerry

 

[Ribstaylor]

OH I know it's a good fix you've done for your issue. Just thought I'd throw out it's not just the MkII mags that suck something awe full.

 

[easyrider604]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[DaJokr]

Didn't know they had issues. My mags are all new right now, but when I start to have issues I know what to do now. Thanks!

 

[Mystic Precision]

Spent a great day blasting away and testing the mags. Except for the rare hiccups in close to 400rds, the mags run great (could even have been ammo as I was running bulk HV). Confirmed 4 of my 5 are now match ready... one would get an occasional hiccup so that one is going to the practise bin.

Very happy with the fix

Jerry

 

[mosinmaster]

My OEM 5 round mag started to come apart on the side wall welds. I similarly used epoxy except just kept it at those weld spots and along the spine. It so far has held up to use.

 

[sk8snwmx]

Hey Jerry,

thanks for the info, I might try this but my mags still look fairly new. I have an FV-SR that shoot very well but I notice that I have to load the mag with the bolt closed or it gets messed up in some way. I close the bolt put in a new mag, then tap the mag tight. If I put a mag in without the bolt close it never seems to seat properly and the bolt will not strip a round. (probably user error!)

The rifle shoots awesome with Center-X, but too bad the 'whole system' isn't awesome... sounds like a perfect storm for properly designed aftermarket mags! I'll take a 50 rd flat based drum mag.

 

[Mystic Precision]

Hey Jerry,

thanks for the info, I might try this but my mags still look fairly new. I have an FV-SR that shoot very well but I notice that I have to load the mag with the bolt closed or it gets messed up in some way. I close the bolt put in a new mag, then tap the mag tight. If I put a mag in without the bolt close it never seems to seat properly and the bolt will not strip a round. (probably user error!)

The rifle shoots awesome with Center-X, but too bad the 'whole system' isn't awesome... sounds like a perfect storm for properly designed aftermarket mags! I'll take a 50 rd flat based drum mag.

To fix your mag issue, take a flat file and file the notch at the base of the spine. This is what the mag release lever slips over. the notch on the back of the mag is a bit too long so a few swipes with a file, keeping the sides even will resolve.

You should be able to get the mag to consistently and easily click onto the latch with the bolt open.

Good luck.

Jerry