Savage 10PC "10" round DBM - now w/video

z71rat

Gunny
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 12, 2004
3,267
161
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Whitney, TX
I kinda got tired of waiting around and nothing happening. I found a G3 mag that I had left over from my HK. I started measuring a few things checking it out to see if my idea would work.

I did a little dremel work on the mag body, modified my Savage follower, modified the bottom end of the G3 spring, and cut some tabs, and filed some edges. I belt the tabs outward, and inserted the tabs through the holes in the Savage magazine. It all went together fairly nice. I finished it off by bending the tabs around to use them as the magazine well spacers.

Bottom line is this... I have a FUNCTIONAL "10" ROUND MAGAZINE!! It isnt perfect mind you, but it works. I will be using this idea and purchasing another G3 magazine and taking my time. It should prove to be a better fit in the end, as there is a tad bit of play in the magazine.

DK

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Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

Make sure you do some darn fine tutorialized images so we can follow along. I'm sitting on a Savage 10FP internal mag that I plan to inlet myself to allow the adaptation of external mags. Looks like it could be promising with a little more refining!
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

I ended up cutting the 2 slots on the sides of the follower, as well as taking off the rear tabs. I rounded the back edge a bit, and it slides from the G3 into the Savage top end with zero problems.

The only hangup came from the springs not mating directly over the top of each other, but that was corrected by linking the springs together and a simple wrap of electrical tape. No more hangups, even though it isn't a permanent solution. Keep in mind, this is still in a trial stage needing to be tinkered with.

I will get some more pics for you when I get some batteries tomorrow after work. Never settle.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Helidriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool! I have a 10PC and I've got to do that mod. Who did your stock? Mine is ACU but I like yours better. </div></div>

Mine came as ACU as well, so I threw some Krylon at it right after I got it home. Quick and simpe. I will be changing it around again, but it will be a pattern similar to it. I have been playing around with the spounge technique, so that's probably the pattern I will use. I am partial to the GAP Woodland, especially since all my other gear is either Woodland or Black.

Thanks for the compliment!!

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Helidriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very cool! I have a 10PC and I've got to do that mod. Who did your stock? Mine is ACU but I like yours better. </div></div>

Mine came as ACU as well, so I threw some Krylon at it right after I got it home. Quick and simpe. I will be changing it around again, but it will be a pattern similar to it. I have been playing around with the spounge technique, so that's probably the pattern I will use. I am partial to the GAP Woodland, especially since all my other gear is either Woodland or Black.

Thanks for the compliment!!

DK </div></div>

Mine's off getting a thread job for an AAC muzzle brake/adapter. I'll post pics when it's done and get a range report with the brake done soon after.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kinyocase</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Make sure you do some darn fine tutorialized images so we can follow along. </div></div>

Here is the link that has the long line of pictures of what I did to make it all work out. There is also the "epoxy" version just below the original magazine. I like the epoxy version ALOT better, and it functions perfectly!!

DK

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2404072&page=24
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

hope no one thought that man. it was an open request calling for people with a similar problem to pool knowlege and come up with a solution. you did it. others will post their ideas and im sure we will get a few more ideas along the way. but like i said, if you can get this to lock up solid, feed reliably and stay together, why pay any more that the cost of a new savage mag, the cetme and everything else involved? now if we could get JUST the tops and springs from Accurate Mag, if they do springs for them. but maybe that way they wouldnt be $45
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">now if we could get JUST the tops and springs from Accurate Mag, if they do springs for them. but maybe that way they wouldnt be $45 </div></div>

I agree totally. I would love to get just the tops and springs with the followers. That would work out great!! I have just added an additional band across the back of the magazine to take care of the deep magazine insertion "issue". I didn't have a problem with it myself, but it seems that it is a major concern for most everyone.

This will be just another stage in the process of making something great for us Savage Shooters!!

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Widowmaker0001</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Pretty crafty!I likey:)Goodshootin'

~Reagan </div></div>

Thanks for the compliment Bro!! It is muchly appreciated...

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

Added the rear tab to the magazine body. It takes up the side to side slack, as well as preventing over insertion into the magwell. Works really good.

I will be cleaning up the excess epoxy, and giving it a quick shot of Ultra-Flat Black. Should be super nice when done!!

DK

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Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AXEMAN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how are people liking these? any reports of durability yet? </div></div>

I was having some feeding problems. It was probably due to a butchered follower. I originally modified the follower for a FAL magconversion. I then cut even more off to use the G3 mag. I am still getting some sticky follower symptoms when cycling dummy rounds. However, it is a non-issue. When firing live ammo, the recoil jolts the mag enough to keep the follower from sticking. I can actually fit 13 rounds in my mag.

I'm going to build another once I get some free time.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

I was thinking that if the epoxy does not holding up overtime you could get a cheap spot welder from harbor feight and just tack weld the back and the frontend where the G3 mag extends up into the Savage Mag. I have ordered 2 from rat and also 2 from deadeye so I can give them both a try. I figure the G3 mod will work great with my 308 and overdrives will work for my 243 because I load them long with 105s and 115s. I just happy because I don't have to deal with SSS. From what I have heard most still haven't gotten the ones they ordred back in the summer.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: juliomorris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking that if the epoxy does not holding up overtime you could get a cheap spot welder from harbor feight and just tack weld the back and the frontend where the G3 mag extends up into the Savage Mag. I have ordered 2 from rat and also 2 from deadeye so I can give them both a try. I figure the G3 mod will work great with my 308 and overdrives will work for my 243 because I load them long with 105s and 115s. I just happy because I don't have to deal with SSS. From what I have heard most still haven't gotten the ones they ordred back in the summer. </div></div>

I don't think that a hobofreight spot welder will work on the more common aluminum G3 mags. You'd probably need to use steel mags.

FWIW, I used JB weld to glue the mags together and it feels stronger than some of my 115v spot welder welds have been.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1010</div><div class="ubbcode-body">whats up man..? so i see you got yourself a 10PC..!! i like your mag...been thinking about doing the same thing with a M1A mag..

Keha </div></div>

Hey Keha!! How in the world are ya?? Yeah, after I saw yours, I just HAD to get me a 10PC. I absolutely LOVE the thing!! It still isn't where I want it to be yet, but I am getting closer all the time.

I have made several of the G3 conversions, in many different round combinations. I made a nice short compact 8 rounder for myself, and I really like the profile. With the specific modifications that I do with the followers and springs, I have had no issues with any of the magazines that I have assembled. I have also built some of the older staggered feed assemblies, as well as the side release magazines. Everything seems to be functioning correctly so far.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BravoSix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW, I used JB weld to glue the mags together and it feels stronger than some of my 115v spot welder welds have been. </div></div>

My original epoxy magazines was done with some light duty 2 part epoxy, and I was mixed on whether or not I felt totally comfortable with using it. I have since switched over to Devcon "Weldit", and it sets up really well. Absolutely no problems, and it doesn't have to be mixed. It makes it MUCH easier and faster for me to get these put together.

I would probably use the JB Weld if I was building enough magazines to make it worth while. I hate to mix up that stuff and not use it all.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

The problem encountered with the follower sometimes sticking is the biggest reason I would prefer to build the entire magazine kit vs. making the kit as the DIY version.

I would rather you have a fully completed magazine that functions correctly from the start. When I build the completed units, I fully function test the magazines prior to shipping.

But, I can also see people wanting the DIY kits. It saves money, but I also love to tinker with stuff too. I fully understand it both ways.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

rat I didn't think about the aluminum and you are right it probably wouldn't work. The devcon will take a beating I used it on a mag box for a 300WM to extend it for 208's and 220's, I have problably 200 round threw the rifle and it is holding tight.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got mine "ready made" from z71rat and they are "The Bomb".

BMT </div></div>

Thanks Brother!! I am glad to hear that you like them. I do appreciate the business. Be safe and Happy Shooting!!

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bmt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got mine "ready made" from z71rat and they are "The Bomb".

BMT</div></div>

I have 2 coming also, can't wait to play with them. Something besides SSS, I hope this and the ones deadeye makes opens there eyes.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 12 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: juliomorris</div><div class="ubbcode-body">rat I didn't think about the aluminum and you are right it probably wouldn't work. The devcon will take a beating I used it on a mag box for a 300WM to extend it for 208's and 220's, I have problably 200 round threw the rifle and it is holding tight. </div></div>

Devcon makes some really incredible stuff. I have been using the Weldit at work for some time, and I have yet to have a failure on anything that stuff touches. I have a couple of the steel G3 magazines here as well, but I hate the fact that they RUST!! I have been thinking about using them for some magazine conversions, but I am not sure I want to dedicate any Savage components to the cause. Considering how well the Devcon is working with the aluminum G3's and Savage parts, I am reluctant to do something different.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

OK guys, I am going to Texas all next week. I have all received orders completed and out the door. For those of you that have orders coming, I will be back in Colorado on April 10th. I will get busy on the kits and get them out to you pronto!!

Thanks for all your interest in these conversion kits... it is greatly appreciated!!

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

I ran mine threw the ringer today and they worked great. I tested feeding on both mags twice then i loaded them up with 10rds and start shooting. Between my 3 rifle I put 40 rds threw both mags and both functioned flawlessly unlike one of myrifles. Good job rat, Thanks.
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

Outstanding Brother!! I am glad to hear that they functioned well, and I am especially glad that you liked them!!

Thanks for the feedback too!! I hate it that you rifle didn't function correctly though... that hurts.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tip2oo3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've only got to put 20 rounds through mine so far, but those 20 rounds functioned fine. </div></div>

Thanks Brother!! I am glad they are working out for you. Keep me posted on the progress, and some pics wouldn't hurt noting!!

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

I have had a reported failure on the quick set epoxy. I am no longer using this type of epoxy. If anyone else has a failure, I will repair the magazine and will pay return shipping and reimburse your shipping charges.

Just a heads up to everyone. I will stand behind my stuff...

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

I have 2 completed 243/308 10-round magazines ready to go. They are some of the ones that I was doing R&D on to get things right.

They are exactly like the ones that I am currently making, with the exception of a 3/32" hole drilled in the front, just above the front magazine tab. The hole came from when I was trying to stake the front tab in place, but the single layer of aluminum would not stand up to the deformation. So the tab design was born from the "less than perfect" trials.

They function perfectly, but I will let them go for a lower price. They will not separate like the quick set epoxy magazines have done previously. These are GOOD TO GO!!

Like I said, I currently have 2 ready to ship, just PM me if you would like to have them. We can go over the details.

DK
 
Re: Savage 10PC 10 round DBM

Also, just to keep everyone in the loop, I have a working model for the WSM rifles with the detachable magazine bottom metal.

These magazines will not hold the 10 rounds as my standard magazine assemblies. Right now, I believe that they will hold 5 rounds for certain, and possibly even 6 rounds. I don't have the WSM dummy rounds yet to test the full capacity, but my 308 rounds work with it pretty well.

So if anyone wants a WSM extended magazine, I will build them with the G3 components, I just need the purchaser to supply the Savage factory magazine body, follower and spring. Just let me know if you want any, and we can go from there!!

DK