The Savage BMAG is a unique rimfire rifle that was developed specifically for the 17 Winchester Super Magnum cartridge. The 17 WSM is a red-hot, flat-shooting rimfire cartridge. Due to the high pressures of the 17 WSM, we needed a different locking system from our usual bolt action rimfire rifles. Because of this, the BMAG works a bit differently than other Savage rifles. Let’s break them down. 

Cock on Close vs Cock on Open

On most Savage models, opening the bolt accomplishes two tasks at once – beginning primary extraction of the spent cartridge and recompressing (or cocking) the firing pin spring. This process is known as cock on open because the firing pin is cocked as the bolt is opened. However, due to the pressures of the 17 WSM, the cartridge needs a stronger case, which also calls for a stronger spring and firing pin due to the stronger rim. Because of this the BMAG would require a heavier bolt lift and would likely disturb the shooting position if it was designed to cock on open. 

To make the bolt handle open easier to open after firing, the BMAG is designed to cock on close. This process splits up the extraction and firing pin spring compression tasks. 

The sear resets when the BMAG bolt handle is lifted, so there is no spring pressure on the striker. After the bolt has been cycled back and pushed forward, you will feel a spring pressure as you close the bolt. This is the striker catching the sear and compressing the spring. Once the bolt is fully down, the firearm is ready to shoot. This also helps the shooter keep the rifle in a consistent position by pushing the bolt down into the bipod or shooting rest.

Note: Make sure to always lift the bolt handle after firing to allow the sear to reset. If you place the firearm on SAFE before lifting the bolt handle, the safety will block the sear from moving, and it will not be in a position to compress the striker spring when the bolt is closed again. This will result in a “dead” trigger and the firearm will not fire. If this happens, don’t worry! It’s easily fixed. Take the firearm off SAFE, lift the bolt handle and close it again to properly cock the striker.

Rear-Locking Lugs

The BMAG has what is called a “rear locking” action.  The locking lugs for the bolt are at the back of the bolt rather than at the front like on a Model 110.  This allows only the lugs to rotate when the gun locks rather than the whole bolt, ensuring the extractor and firing pin remain properly indexed.

AccuTrigger Adjustment

The process to adjust the AccuTrigger in the BMAG is also different than most Savage models.  In other Savage models, a tool is needed to adjust a spring in the AccuTrigger mechanism.  The BMAG trigger assembly has an adjustment wheel built in, which can be accessed when the stock is removed.  

Note: BMAG models with polymer stocks have a removable trigger guard, and the stock does not need to be fully removed to access the adjustment wheel.

How to Adjust the AccuTrigger on BMAG with Synthetic Stock 

How to Adjust the AccuTrigger on BMAG with Laminate Stock 

Find the instructions on adjusting your BMAG AccuTrigger on page 27 of your manual. 

When disassembling the BMAG, please note that the action screws are captive in the stock and will not come fully out.  Simply loosen them until they spin freely, and the action will detach from the stock.  When reassembling the firearm, the action screws should be torqued to 40 inch-pounds. 

If you have any questions about your Savage BMAG, please refer to your owner’s manual and call our customer service team at 1-800-370-0708 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm ET)