Savage High Capacity Magazine - Axis/Edge etc. Short Action 243/308 Information
I have been asked numerous times (since I can no longer build them in Colorado), how I went about building my "RatMag" magazines. I have put together the instructions on my various processes for the 10 round magazine, that was my most common build. The instructions are exactly the same for the standard Savage centerfeed rifles, as is the Axis/Edge centerfeed rifles.
These instructions are also the same methods that I used to build the "side button release" models as well. The only difference would be, to leave off the magazine band that fills the mag well on the centerfeed rifles. So with that, here is the information...
Components:
Savage Axis Magazine - All parts required
H&K G3 Steel Magazine - Body, floorplate, spring required (no need for the follower)
For a 10 round magazine:
Mark and cut the G3 magazine body, 2" from the bottom, front to back along both sides.
Mark and cut the G3 magazine body, 1" above the mark, across the front of the body.
Mark and cut the G3 magazine body, 1-3/8" above the mark across the rear of the body.
This will provide the weld tabs that are to be inserted into the Savage magazine body. The weld tabs should be 3/4" wide. Grind the front and rear tabs to match the contour of the Savage Axis magazine body. Weld and grind smooth. I used a 120V spot welder for this work, as I never welded the side walls.
Add relief cuts to the Savage magazine follower, as well as grind down the front of the magazine by 1/16", and grind down the rear tabs. This is to allow a smooth transition from the G3 body, to the Savage body, with no hang ups. Add the Savage magazine spring to the top of the G3 magazine spring. Cut the bottom coils off the G3 spring, but leave 3 coils. At the back of the Savage spring, add it to the G3 spring, and crimp the rear of the Savage spring around the G3 wire to hold it in place at the back.
Cut out all of the inside bottom of the Axis magazine floorplate out, but leave the magazine alignment tabs intact. Stretch the magazine band around the welded magazine bodies, and slide up into place, ensuring the alignment tabs seat in the Savage magazine slots properly.
If you rifle is a standard Savage, cut the magazine release tab off the Axis floorplate at the front. If your rifle is an Axis, the release tab must remain in place, and must be epoxied at the front, to prevent the release tab area from flexing downward as the magazine is inserted into the magwell. Test fit the magazine, test the magazine for proper function, paint to your color choice, and go out and enjoy your 2nd Amendment rights!!
Best of luck to you all... and keep them barrels warm!! God Bless!!
DK
