Exploring the Landscape of the Savage 110 and Magazine Conversion Choices
Understanding the Rifle
The Savage 110 rifle is a workhorse, a legend in the world of bolt-action firearms. Known for its accuracy, affordability, and versatility, it has become a staple for hunters, target shooters, and enthusiasts alike. Yet, a common point of frustration for many Savage 110 owners lies in its factory hinged floorplate. While functional, the hinged floorplate can be slow to reload, especially compared to the more modern and efficient detachable magazine (DM) systems found on many other rifles. Imagine the scenario: you’re in the field, a buck appears, and you need a follow-up shot quickly. A fumbling floorplate can cost you valuable seconds and the opportunity. This is where converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine becomes a game changer. It’s an upgrade that dramatically improves reloading speed and provides a host of other benefits, significantly enhancing the overall user experience with your Savage 110. This guide will walk you through the process, providing a comprehensive overview of what’s involved and how to do it.
Conversion Pathways
Before diving into the specifics of converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine, let’s understand the rifle itself. The Savage 110 is known for its robust action, floating bolt head, and AccuTrigger, all contributing to its inherent accuracy. Over the years, Savage has produced numerous variants of the 110, ranging from short-action models for cartridges like .308 Winchester to long-action models chambered in calibers like .30-06 Springfield. Understanding which model you have is critical because conversion kit compatibility is often dependent on action length and other factors. The 110 has been a cornerstone of Savage’s offerings for a long time, and recognizing the nuances of your specific rifle’s generation is essential for a successful upgrade.
Now, let’s consider the key options when it comes to converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine. Two main paths are available: the drop-in kit route and the more involved DIY route. The drop-in kit approach is, in most cases, the most straightforward and beginner-friendly option. It generally involves replacing the factory bottom metal (the part that houses the floorplate) with a new bottom metal designed to accept a detachable magazine. These kits typically come with the new bottom metal and the corresponding magazine. The DIY route, on the other hand, requires more technical skill. This path may involve custom modifications to the stock, the receiver, and potentially the magazine itself, to achieve a functional DM system. This usually entails significant gunsmithing knowledge and experience. For the purposes of this guide, and for the average rifle owner, we will focus on the drop-in kit approach due to its accessibility and ease of installation.
Choosing the Right Conversion Kit for Your Rifle
Identifying Your Needs
Selecting the appropriate conversion kit is a crucial step in converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine. The market offers several reputable manufacturers, each providing a selection of kits for various Savage 110 models. Research is paramount. Begin by identifying your specific Savage 110 model – is it a short action or long action? Which cartridge does it chamber? Ensure the kit you are considering is compatible with both the action length and caliber of your rifle.
Key Features to Evaluate
Consider these key features when evaluating a kit: The material used for the bottom metal is a significant factor. Aluminum bottom metal offers a balance of weight and durability and is often a budget-friendly option. Steel bottom metal is generally stronger and more resistant to wear and tear but can add some extra weight to the rifle. The type and capacity of the magazine included are important considerations. Think about your typical shooting scenarios – do you need a higher capacity magazine for hunting or target shooting? Consider the type of magazine. You will typically find magazines made of polymer or steel. Polymer magazines tend to be lighter, while steel magazines offer greater durability. Finally, consider the overall quality of the kit, paying close attention to the fit and finish. Does it feel well-made and robust? Does the magazine lock securely into place? Checking reviews from other users can provide valuable insights into the quality and performance of a specific kit. It is prudent to choose a manufacturer with a reputation for reliability and customer service.
Stock Considerations
Some kits might require slight stock inletting, which means you may need to remove some material from the stock to accommodate the new bottom metal and magazine. This can be done with hand tools (a file, sandpaper) or power tools (a Dremel tool). If you’re uncomfortable with this step, consider having a gunsmith perform the installation.
Essential Tools and Materials to Gather
Tools for Success
Successfully converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine requires gathering the necessary tools and materials. While drop-in kits are generally easy to install, having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures a professional-looking result. First and foremost, of course, is the conversion kit itself. Make sure you have the correct one for your specific Savage 110 model.
Important Items to Have
Next, gather a selection of quality screwdrivers. A gunsmithing screwdriver set is highly recommended. These sets typically include a variety of bits designed to fit the specific screw heads found on firearms, minimizing the risk of stripping screws. A torque wrench is also a good addition. This ensures that you can tighten the action screws to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications. Over-tightening can damage the action, while under-tightening can compromise accuracy.
Additional Helpful Items
Other helpful items include cleaning supplies to clean the rifle before and after assembly. Blue Loctite can be used on the screws to prevent them from loosening over time due to recoil and use. Always keep the owner’s manual of your rifle handy for reference, especially for torque specifications. Safety glasses are essential to protect your eyes during the process. Create a well-lit, organized work area to ensure safety and prevent losing small parts.
A Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Prioritizing Safety
Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine, focusing on the common drop-in kit approach. First and foremost, safety must be your top priority.
Disassembly
Begin by ensuring the rifle is completely unloaded. Double-check the chamber and magazine to verify that there are no rounds present. Point the muzzle in a safe direction throughout the entire process. Remove the bolt from the rifle. This step is crucial for safety and allows you to work on the action without the risk of accidental discharge.
Removing the Stock
Next, remove the stock from the action. This usually involves removing the action screws, which are located on the bottom of the stock. Gently remove the stock, taking care not to damage it. Carefully detach the factory bottom metal and hinged floorplate. This typically involves removing screws and, if necessary, lightly tapping on the floorplate to dislodge it. You can often gently pry it out, but be cautious not to damage the stock.
Installing the New Bottom Metal
Carefully insert the new bottom metal that came with your conversion kit. Align the bottom metal and ensure it fits flush with the action. Install and tighten the action screws. Use the torque wrench to tighten the screws to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. If you are using blue Loctite, apply a small amount to the threads of the screws before installing them.
Magazine Installation
Then, install the magazine into the new bottom metal and then test it to ensure it locks securely. Check the magazine release button to verify it works correctly. Make sure the bolt will pick up rounds from the magazine. If all is well, then reassemble the stock to the action. Ensure the action screws are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Check that the bolt cycles smoothly and that the magazine feeds rounds correctly.
Function Testing
Finally, function test the rifle. Carefully cycle the bolt and magazine multiple times to ensure smooth feeding and ejection. Ensure all aspects of the conversion work as expected.
Ensuring Accuracy and Test Firing
The Importance of Re-Zeroing
After successfully converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine, it’s essential to address accuracy and functionality. Before firing, ensure that your rifle is safely loaded. A critical step is re-zeroing your rifle. The conversion may slightly alter the point of impact. Go to a shooting range and begin by firing a few rounds to see where they hit the target. Adjust your scope or sights as needed to bring the shots to your desired point of impact. This is typically done by adjusting the scope’s elevation and windage settings.
The Test Firing Process
Take the opportunity to test fire the rifle. Verify that it is functioning reliably and accurately. Continue firing groups of shots to verify the accuracy of your rifle. If you have any feeding, ejection, or accuracy problems, refer to the troubleshooting section to fix the issues. Always remember to practice safe shooting habits when at the range.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Cleaning and Upkeep
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your converted Savage 110 functioning reliably for years. Regular cleaning of the bottom metal and magazine is essential. Use a suitable gun cleaning solvent and a soft cloth to remove any debris or residue. Periodically check the screws on the bottom metal to ensure they remain tight. Re-torque if necessary. Inspect the magazine for any damage, such as dents or cracks. Replace the magazine if it is damaged to prevent any feeding issues. Store your magazines unloaded and in a safe location, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
Addressing Common Challenges and Troubleshooting Tips
Addressing Feeding Issues
Even with careful installation, you might encounter some issues when converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine. If you experience feeding problems, first check that the magazine is properly seated and locked into place. Inspect the magazine for any damage. You may also need to test different types of ammunition to find what works best with the magazine.
Ejection Issues
If you experience failure to eject issues, ensure the extractor and ejector are functioning correctly. Check the chamber for any debris. You can also consider cleaning the bolt and the chamber. If the magazine fails to lock securely, check the magazine release button and ensure it’s functioning. Check if the bottom metal is properly seated and the action screws are tightened properly.
Checking the Hardware
Loose screws can contribute to various problems. Use a torque wrench to tighten the screws to the correct specifications. Apply blue Loctite to the screws to help prevent them from loosening over time.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Full Potential
Converting Savage 110 to detachable magazine is a worthwhile upgrade that can significantly enhance the performance and enjoyment of your rifle. The process is relatively straightforward, especially with a drop-in kit. It provides faster reloads, improved convenience, and a more modern feel. By carefully selecting a conversion kit, following the installation steps outlined in this guide, and taking the time to zero and test fire your rifle, you can transform your Savage 110 into a more efficient and enjoyable firearm. The enhanced reloading speed and modern design of your converted rifle will improve your shooting performance in a multitude of different scenarios, from hunting to competitive shooting. The decision to upgrade to a DM is a good investment in your Savage 110, and is likely to improve your overall experience.
Converting to a detachable magazine is a great step towards enhancing your Savage 110. Embrace the improved ergonomics and faster reloading capabilities that come with this upgrade, and enjoy the enhanced performance of your Savage 110!
