Delayed Blowback vs. Straight Blowback in Savage A Series

When it comes to semi-automatic rifles, understanding the action type can significantly influence both performance and shooting experience. The Savage A Series rifles—namely the A22, A22 Magnum, and A17—offer a great example of how different action types affect the shooting process. The A22 features a straight blowback system, while the A22 Magnum and A17 are built on a delayed blowback action. The differences in these systems are crucial to ensuring that these firearms feed and eject rounds properly, helping to ensure proper performance when you're on the range or in the field. Let’s dive into how these systems differ and why the delayed blowback action is such a game-changer in models like the A17 and A22 Magnum.

Understanding Straight Blowback

The straight blowback action is one of the simplest mechanisms that has been used in semi-automatic firearms for decades. In this system, the force generated by firing a round drives the bolt directly backward, compressing a recoil spring and ejecting the spent casing. The bolt then returns to its forward position, loading a fresh round into the chamber for the next shot.

This design works exceptionally well for smaller calibers that don’t produce too much pressure. The Savage A22, chambered in 22 Long Rifle, relies on a straight blowback system because it suits the lower recoil and energy of this round. The simplicity of this action makes the rifle reliable and easy to maintain. There are no intricate parts or complex timing mechanisms to worry about—just the force of the cartridge and a spring to do all the work.

However, there’s a tradeoff. Straight blowback actions are generally limited to lower-pressure cartridges. In higher-pressure calibers, the bolt must be heavier or the spring stronger to keep the action from opening too soon, which can lead to a sluggish cycling process. 

The Magic of Delayed Blowback

Now, let's shift gears to the delayed blowback system used in the A22 Magnum and A17, which are chambered in 22 WMR and 17 HMR respectively. These cartridges have much higher pressures than 22 LR, making a straight blowback system less effective or even potentially unsafe due to a higher risk of malfunctions. We tackled this challenge with our innovative delayed blowback design.

But what exactly is delayed blowback? In this action, the bolt is delayed from moving backward immediately after firing. Instead of relying solely on the recoil spring to handle the bolt’s backward movement, the system uses a mechanical delay—either through mass, friction, or mechanical leverage. In the case of the A17, the action works through a system involving a unique locking mechanism, helping the rifle manage and safely operate with the higher pressure of the 17 HMR round.

The key benefit of delayed blowback is that it allows the rifle to chamber and fire higher-pressure rounds without needing an excessively heavy bolt or spring. This results in smoother cycling and better overall performance, even with cartridges that generate more pressure and recoil.

How Delayed Blowback Works in the Savage A17

The A17’s delayed blowback system is designed to handle the 17 HMR, a rimfire cartridge known for its high velocity and energy. If a straight blowback system were used with the 17 HMR, it would require a much heavier bolt or stronger spring to safely contain the pressures involved. This would result in slower cycling times and make the rifle less pleasant to shoot with a harsher recoil impulse.

Instead, we introduced a delayed blowback mechanism in the A17, which solves this problem. The action works by using a mechanical delay to slow the rearward motion of the bolt after firing. This brief delay allows chamber pressure to drop to a safer level before the bolt starts its rearward motion, ensuring safe and reliable cycling.

In practical terms, this means that the A17 can fire high-pressure 17 HMR rounds without any of the sluggishness or excessive recoil you might expect from a heavier straight blowback system. The rifle feels smoother and cycles faster, making it an excellent choice for both target shooting and small game hunting.

Why It Matters

So, why should you care about which type of action a semi-automatic rifle uses? The type of action significantly affects the rifle’s performance, especially when dealing with higher-pressure rounds. The delayed blowback system in the A17 allows for better handling of 17 HMR, while the A22’s straight blowback is perfectly suited for the lower pressures of 22 LR.

The delayed blowback action of the A17 offers smoother cycling, improved reliability, and a more enjoyable shooting experience. The A17’s action is a brilliant piece of engineering that maximizes the performance of the 17 HMR round in a semi-auto platform, while the A22 provides a simpler, no-nonsense solution for the all-around and versatile 22 LR.

The Versatility of the A22 Magnum

Similarly, the A22 Magnum benefits from the delayed blowback system. Chambered in 22 WMR, the A22 Magnum handles the higher pressures of this cartridge with ease, providing the same smooth cycling and reliability as the A17. Whether you’re hunting or plinking, the A22 Magnum offers enhanced performance and a smoother shooting experience due to its action.

Final Thoughts

The differences between these two similar actions may seem subtle at first, but they have a big impact on performance. The A22’s straight blowback system is perfect for the low-pressure 22 LR cartridge, keeping things simple and reliable. But when you step up to higher pressure cartridges like the 22 WMR or 17 HMR in the A22 Magnum and A17, Savage’s innovative delayed blowback system really shines in providing a smoother and more comfortable shooting experience.

By incorporating a mechanical delay in the bolt's movement, the A17 and A22 Magnum manage to handle shooting these higher-powered rimfire cartridges smoothly, safely, and efficiently. For shooters looking to maximize the potential of their rimfire rifles, the delayed blowback system is a key feature to pay attention to. Whether you’re hunting small game or just enjoying some time at the range, Savage’s A Series has you covered with actions tailored to the specific needs of each caliber to ensure the best shooting experience possible.