I propose to analyze Lorenzo Magnani’s view of manipulative abduction in science domain as an expression of the “practice turn” in the studies of science and technology. In particular, I suggest to understand his point of view as an exponent of the proposals made by an intellectual movement interested in the fact that there are scientific practices constitutively integrated by material resources. On the one hand, I indicate that Magnani’s perspective on manipulative abduction has features in common with the approaches of laboratory studies, Ronald Giere’s cognitive theory of science, and Nancy Nersessian’s conception of model-based reasoning. I emphasize that, in these perspectives, scientific practices include the creation and use of material representations as tools for knowing. On the other hand, I judge that Magnani’s thinking on manipulative abduction differs from them by having emphasized that this reasoning is a kind of epistemic action on external material resources.