Savage 17 WSM Problems And Their Solutions
For many gun owners, the Savage 17 WSM is a great all-around firearm with reliable performance and modern features. But like any gun, it has its unique issues that can arise.
This article will explore some common problems associated with the Savage 17 WSM and discuss potential solutions. Understanding these issues can help ensure your firearm works reliably for years.
The most common problems include Failure To Fire, Feeding problems, Ejection Issues, Magazine Issues, Bolt Issues, Trigger Problems, Accuracy Problems, Misfires, Overheating Issues, Inadequate Barrel Crowns, and Inadequate Recoil Pad
So let’s take a look at some of the Savage 17 WSM problems and their possible solutions.
Common Savage 17 WSM Problems And Their Solutions
1. Failure To Fire
One common issue with Savage 17 WSM rifles is a failure to fire. Several factors, including improper seating of the cartridge in the chamber, faulty primer ignition, or poor firearm maintenance, can cause this.
Inspect your rifle’s chamber for any abnormalities or damage to begin troubleshooting. Look for signs of wear or dirt that may prevent the cartridge from properly sitting in the chamber.
Also, ensure that factory ammunition is being used and not reloaded as ammo made with improper components can lead to failure to fire issues.
Next, ensure you are correctly loading a round into the chamber and the primer is aligned with the firing pin.
If you have difficulty seating cartridges in the chamber, try using a soft cleaning cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.
Finally, inspect your firearm for signs of wear and tear. Check for broken parts or rust that may be affecting performance.
2. Feeding Problems
When it comes to feeding problems, the Savage 17 WSM seems to be particularly prone to them.
Reports have been made of the ammo not feeding properly or having difficulty ejecting from the magazine.
This can lead to jams and other issues that will make your gun unusable until fixed.
In some cases, this may be caused by a faulty magazine, but in most cases, it results from the gun not being properly broken in.
The Savage 17 WSM requires a break-in period to ensure all parts are working together as they should.
This means putting enough rounds through your gun for any necessary worn parts to become more worn and better functioning.
If feeding problems persist after breaking in your gun, you may want to consider looking into other potential causes such as an obstruction in the barrel or a faulty magazine.
Using the correct type of ammunition for your gun is also important – using too light or heavy rounds can lead to feeding and ejecting issues.
3. Ejection Issue
This occurs when a round in the magazine is not ejected properly upon firing. The primary causes are improper ammunition selection, poor quality magazines, and incorrect cleaning or lube routines.
To prevent this issue, it is important to use factory-loaded ammunition from a trusted manufacturer, maintain the firearm properly, and ensure that all cleaning materials used are designed specifically for the firearm.
It is also important to regularly inspect the firearm and magazines for any wear or damage that could cause malfunctioning.
4. Magazine Issue
Magazine malfunctions are a common problem reported by users of the Savage 17 WSM, but luckily some steps can be taken to correct this issue.
First, inspect the magazine for any signs of damage or wear. If there is any visible damage, the magazine needs to be replaced immediately.
Next, check the magazine spring tension by pushing down on the follower and ensuring it bounces back quickly and easily after being pushed down.
If not, the spring may need replacing or strengthening with an additional tensioning device.
Finally, ensure the rounds are being loaded properly into the magazine. They should be inserted straight and to the back of the magazine for them to feed correctly.
5. Bolt Issue
If you are experiencing an issue with your Savage 17 WSM bolt, it could be due to several factors.
The most common cause is excessive pressure on the firing pin or dirt build-up in the chamber, preventing the bolt from moving freely.
It’s important to take extra care when cleaning your rifle and use safe practices. A good practice is lubricating the bolt once you have finished cleaning, which will help reduce friction and ensure it operates smoothly.
If your issue persists, it may signify a more serious problem requiring professional assistance.
6. Trigger Problem
If you experience an issue with your rifle’s trigger, it could affect your accuracy and overall shooting performance.
The most common sign of a trigger problem in Savage 17 WSM rifles is that the pull weight on the trigger feels either too heavy or too light.
Additionally, some users have noted that the trigger has an inconsistent reset when they pull it back after shooting.
If you notice any of these issues while using your Savage 17 WSM rifle, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to inspect the trigger components and ensure they are properly installed.
If you find any problems, you may need to replace some of the parts or contact a professional gunsmith for assistance.
It can also be helpful to clean and lubricate your rifle’s trigger assembly periodically in order to maintain its performance.
7. Accuracy Problem
The Savage 17 WSM was designed with accuracy as the major priority. However, some users have encountered issues in this regard.
One of the most common causes of an accuracy problem is a loose barrel nut on the gun. If your shots tend to be off-target or inconsistent, check and tighten the barrel nut before taking it out for a hunt.
If the barrel nut is already tight, it could be a sign that the gun must be cleaned or re-zeroed.
Another possibility is that your scope’s reticle may not have been aligned accurately when mounted on the rifle.
This can often be solved by using a bore sighter to align the reticle with the rifle barrel precisely.
Finally, it could be that the ammunition you are using is not suited to your rifle.
Different calibers and bullet weights can lead to different accuracy results, so make sure you test a variety of brands and styles of ammo until you find the most accurate one for your shooting needs.
8. Misfires
If you’re experiencing misfires with your Savage 17 WSM, a few potential causes can be easily diagnosed and corrected.
Check for blockages in the barrel or chamber of the gun. Fouling build-up near the chamber can cause problems with ignition, resulting in misfires. If so, remove any build-up and test-fire your rifle again.
Finally, check your firing pin and ensure it is functioning properly. If you can dry-fire the rifle without a round loaded in the chamber, then most likely, there is an issue with your firing pin.
9. Overheating Issues
As with any gun, the Savage 17 WSM can experience issues with overheating. You must notice the signs indicating potential overheating to ensure you get the most out of your rifle.
Common symptoms of an overheating issue include increased recoil, excessive muzzle flash, and a decreased accuracy level.
Inspecting your firearm and its components is a great way to identify and address any issues. Heat can indicate a problem, so ensure the barrel and other parts are not too hot to touch.
It’s also important to check for signs of wear or damage, as excess heat can contribute to metal fatigue over time.
If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to take the necessary steps to repair any damage as soon as possible.
Aside from inspecting your rifle, there are also several other ways you can help prevent overheating issues. Ensure you regularly clean and lubricate all components and that the gun is properly stored when not used.
Also, using quality ammunition can help reduce heat buildup due to its increased performance and consistent pressure.
10. Inadequate Barrel Crown
Many shooters have reported that their Savage 17 WSM has a poor-quality crown finish or is even missing some of the rifling in the crown area altogether.
This can lead to accuracy issues and will ultimately affect performance when shooting.
To ensure that you get the best performance from your Savage 17 WSM, it is important to inspect the barrel and crown before shooting.
If any irregularities are found, it is highly recommended that you take your firearm to a qualified gunsmith for further evaluation and repair.
11. Inadequate Recoil Pad
The Savage 17 WSM is known for its minimal recoil. However, some users have expressed that the recoil pad provided with the rifle can be somewhat inadequate.
This is because the small size of the pad can make it uncomfortable to use when firing multiple rounds in succession.
Fortunately, these issues are easily remedied as there are a variety of aftermarket pads and stocks designed to give the shooter more comfort.
One example is the MTM Short Comb recoil pad designed specifically for use with the Savage 17 WSM and provides a cushioned surface that helps reduce felt recoil.
These aftermarket pads can also be used to customize the look of your rifle, giving it an even more personalized feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I fix the firing pin spring issue on my 17 WSM?
To fix the firing pin spring issue, you can either replace the spring or adjust it to the correct tension. It is recommended to seek the help of a gunsmith for this task.
Can I use any ammunition with my Savage 17?
No, it is important to use the recommended ammunition for your Savage 17 WSM. Using improper ammunition can lead to malfunctions and potentially damage the rifle.
Can I use the Savage B Mag magazine with my Savage 17 WSM?
No, the B Mag magazine is incompatible with the 17 WSM. Each rifle has its specific magazine designed for it.
How many rounds does the Savage 17 WSM magazine hold?
The Savage 17 WSM magazine typically holds 8 rounds, but aftermarket magazines may be available with a higher capacity.
Conclusion
The Savage 17 WSM is a powerful and adaptable rifle, but it also comes with unique issues.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to these problems. Cleaning the barrel regularly, using good quality ammunition, adjusting the trigger screw tension and keeping the magazine free from dirt are all helpful measures to ensure your Savage 17 WSM performs to its full potential.
Also, understanding the rifle’s unique design features and following the manufacturer’s instructions can help you identify and resolve any issues as they arise.
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