The bottom metal and trigger guard are plastic. The magazine is metal sides with a plastic/rubber bottom.
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Thank you for posting !
I was really curious about the composite magazine with the axis style catch as well as the composite bottom metal.
I can understand why there is no aluminum bedding for the barrel to stock ( weight most likely) as well as the length of the barrel ( again weight issiues )
Let's not forget about the additional added weight of a quality optic as well as that of a 20 MOA rail and appropriate rings. ( More than just a wee bit of added weight here )
For the life of me and for Savage is charging for this rifle , I am saddened to learn of the magazine as well as the bottom metal's polycarbonate materials from which they are manufactured . ( In order to manufacture a firearm that is less cumbersome )
All of this in the name of weight reduction, where especially after long hours afield as I can attest to can become very taxing, leaving shoulders and back sore.
I myself would gladly accept a few ounces more for a reliable metal magazine and bottom metal, as this rifle is designed to be used primarily under varying conditions and climates, in the harvesting of game .
To that end , I would be inclined to use a reliable as well as dependable magazine much like one that is found on the Savage # 16 Weather Warrior metal detachable box, or # 16 Bear Hunter hinged floorplate. Both of which I own in .300 Win Mag & .338 Win Mag respectively and are designed with hunting in mind . Both styles either the floor plate or the metal magazine style , lock or snap in place securely and are not prone to breakage or malfunction, This is what I would prefer rather than a plastic magazine that is known to have issiues like not staying locked in place ,and that has been prone to break off the plastic magazine catch in cold weather.
I would change that out to a steel magazine as I already have a model 11 in .308 caliber that I picked up as a used firearm and was planning on using it for my next build and will be modifying accordingly. Guess what it came equipped with a polycarbonate magazine which gave me the same issiues that you have noted !
I.M.H.O. much improvement is needed from Savage regarding this type of magazine and the way that it locks in place on rifles that are so equipped.
Maybe I'm missing something here ?
Perhaps , hopefully Savage is using a newer stronger, and more durable composite material in their magazine's construction as well as bottom metal. However from the modification that you have done to make yours fit I am highly suspect on that matter.
OBTW I was contemplating A Savage Ultra Lite chambered in .300 Win Mag caliber, but until I get more feed back like you have given I'll just hold back awhile longer. ( At current time very little in the way of reviews )
I contacted Savage Arms recently about the changing out of bottom metal on my model #11 to accept a Magpull or Savage standard metal magazine on the aforementioned model #11 . I was told that the cost for parts needed on my end would be $140.00 for the bottom metal and magazine latch assembly. (A.I.C.S magazine bottom metal is no longer sold)
As of two weeks ago however Savage Arms is are not taking any orders and are concentrating instead on repairs.
In Closing:
Please do not take my comments as negative in any way , shape ,or manner as I wish you the very best with your new rifle.
Again Thank You for sharing your findings and the informative photographs that you've so thoughtfully included !