I know that Savage swapped from the larger diameter pin to the smaller pin at the same time they started chambering for some new mags. I had a staggerfeed w the large pin and then wound up w some Stevens w the newer small pins. The difference is pretty significant and apparent. Initially you'd supposed it was done to increase crosspin strength to allow for camming higher pressure cartridges. But, that change really didn't have any affect on the load carrying ability of the crosspin. The shear areas of the crosspin are out on the ends, nowhere near the thru hole. So, I figure they might have done it just for less frictional area on the firing pin and for a lighter firing pin---better lock time. Indeed there would be added strength to the crosspin, but not in a place that matters. Does anybody have any thoughts on this or know any other info on it?