Savage Case Extraction

In working with a Savage Model 112 long-action rifle that was chambered for Winchester Super Short Magnum cartridge, I found that case extraction difficulty was experienced with some full loads. The WSSM cases are made to somewhat thicker wall specifications for this series of cartridges. These cartridges also have a somewhat higher-than-standard working pressure over many of their counterparts.

The final phase of extraction became a problem with one particular Savage Model 112 rifle chambered for a super-short Magnum cartridges. Not infrequently, getting to the root of a problem can be very perplexing. We can study a problem leading to confusion, yet it will turn out the solution is quite simple if we but apply a bit of inventiveness. This case was an example of that. During the final stage of bolt lift, the camming action of the bolt handle works in tandem with a cam at the rear of the receiver.

Sandwiched between the bolt handle and the receiver is apart named the rear baffle. It was obvious this baffle was too short and case extraction wasn’t fully completed upon final bolt lift. It turns out a properly-placed shim 0.035" thick eliminated the problems. Making The Shim A feeler gauge was used to determine the gap thickness needed between the front surface of the bolt baffle and the rear surface of the receiver. The bolt body and the locking lugs must pass through the shim.

On this rifle there was ample working surface for placement of the added shim. A pattern made from heavy draft paper was drawn and The simple installation of a 0.035" shim alleviated the sticky case extraction problem on this Savage Model 112 rifle. transferred to 0.035" stainless sheet stock to form the irregularly-shaped shim. Using this pattern, the shim was cut out. Following shaping to contour the shim more precisely, the part was placed in position to test actual extractor function. With the part work-

From this position the bolt handle cam has the needed increased leverage against the bolt baffle to assist in final extraction. ing well, it was then cemented in place with J-B Weld and allowed to set for several hours before installation and use. Conclusions Sometimes even finished firearms require adjustment or tweaking. This was the case with the Savage Model 112 rifle due to extraction difficulty with high-pressure Winchester Super Short Magnum ammunition.

Seeing through some of these problems is the obvious solution and a bit of creative thinking doesn’t hurt in performing an unusual, but effective, procedure. AG