Savage magazine problem on model 12

[maze51]

I have a feeding problem on my Savage model 12, in 22-250. The problem is, I can't seem to remove the magazine from the action. This is not the magazine that can be taken out from the bottom of the rifle. It is attached by clipping itself to the action, and the ramp and spring sit in a well to feed the ammo up through the magazine and into the chamber.

I need to remove this to add a little bend to the magazine so that the first and third rounds will feed properly. If there are any suggestions or tricks to removing this, I would truly appreciate it.

I would like to also make a comment that I am fairly proficient at mechanical devices, and my main concern is to not ruin something by trying to remove this magazine improperly.

 

[geargrinder]

You need to squeeze the magazine to get one of the tabs out of the action slot.

I've heard of people using a c-clamp to squeeze just enough for the tab to clear without warping the magazine.

I use a spare Savage recoil lug. Screw the front screw into the action. Wedge the lug between the screw and the magazine. Use the palm of your hand to force the lug between the two. That should be the perfect amount to clear the tab from the slot.

Now, getting that thing back in isn't easy either. Get the biggest flat blade screwdriver you can find. Prop the barreled action up against something soft. I use the sofa with the tang resting on a magazine or newspaper. Put the rear tab in the rear slot. Put the screwdriver in the crook of the magazine tab and apply a bit of pressure. Whack the handle of the screwdriver with the palm of your hand. The tab should pop into the slot.

Both of these maneuvers may take a couple practice runs, but they are cheap and work good for me.

 

[maze51]

You need to squeeze the magazine to get one of the tabs out of the action slot.

I've heard of people using a c-clamp to squeeze just enough for the tab to clear without warping the magazine.

I use a spare Savage recoil lug. Screw the front screw into the action. Wedge the lug between the screw and the magazine. Use the palm of your hand to force the lug between the two. That should be the perfect amount to clear the tab from the slot.

Now, getting that thing back in isn't easy either. Get the biggest flat blade screwdriver you can find. Prop the barreled action up against something soft. I use the sofa with the tang resting on a magazine or newspaper. Put the rear tab in the rear slot. Put the screwdriver in the crook of the magazine tab and apply a bit of pressure. Whack the handle of the screwdriver with the palm of your hand. The tab should pop into the slot.

Both of these maneuvers may take a couple practice runs, but they are cheap and work good for me.

Thanks for your tips. I have tried the C-clamp, but there is a steel tab on the barrel that seemed to get in the way when screwing down the clamp. I thought of using that tab on the barrel to wedge a screwing device between it like an expansion bolt. As you tighten the bolt it would force the magazine out of the slot.

Thanks again for the help, I realize it is something challenging to anyone. I just thought I would ask before I messed something expensive up. I will continue to tackle this problem.

 

[maze51]

Geargrinder, I just Googled what a recoil lug is, and realized that is the tab I am talking about. I will try the hints you gave, and maybe the bolt idea I had.

 

[maze51]

I needed to post that I did finally get the magazine off and bent correctly to allow proper feeding of ammo. I have also spoken to Savage, and they affirmed that this was a very bad design, but still very workable with adjustment.

Geargrinder first mention the recoil lug, which I used as the reinforcing area that held the bolt I used. I found a 3/8" X 1 1/2" bolt. I threaded a nut past the end of the bolt, and wedged the bolt in between the magazine and recoil lug. Using two open end wrenches, hold the bolt head with one wrench, and turn the nut with the other as if you were unscrewing it, and it will push the magazine back far enough to allow the tab to free.

You then want to bend the magazine with large Channel Lock pliers in the middle of the mag so that the feeding lips are closer to the center. You may have to bend and remove several times to get it to chamber your rounds correctly. Mine now works perfectly.

I hope this will help anyone in the future.