Hi all,

I was just thinking about the top loading mag vs the detachable "cartridge" type mag for a bolt rifle.

I'm assuming that in the event you are facing a charge, (it seems to happen according to some of the threads we've had recently) and you empty the rifle, what would you prefer?

A toploader or a spare mag?

I think given the choice I would want a spare mag

Also how many times do you adtually have time to reload?

Rgds,
FB

Sorry third and best option, two barrels.

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:
I think given the choice I would want a spare mag

Wrong choice!

I think I would want a drop box mag with a couple of extra rounds in it. WDM Bell said the third and forth rounds out of a double were slower than three and four out of his favorite magazine rifle.

Will,

I was originally prefering the toploader, but when I thought about it I edited my post to choose the detachable mag. reson being that it is full and can just be pushed into an open bolted rifle. Close the bolt and you are ready for round two....

I don't actually hold much sway by my own opinion though on this though hence the question, (and the indecision!! )

FB

Makes no difference to me, as long as whichever magazine my rifle uses is full of ammunition when the chips are down!

I have a Steyr 9.3 with a detachable magazine that I might use on DG some day, but I have only used top loaders so far.

Some say that too much can go wrong with a detachable mag. It can become disengaged, fall out, get lost, etc. There is some truth to that, I am sure.

If I did use a detachable mag rifle on DG, such as my Steyr, I would make sure I had a couple extra loaded mags in my pocket, that's for certain.

Detachable mags are standard on rifles for the most dangerous game, but aren't considered sporting against sort of dangerous game.

I find that changing mags on an assaultrifle is a 1 second deal but changing a mag on a boltaction huntingrifle always becomes fiddely and slow. I don't think they are made right for speedy reloading.

Top loading mag, as Will has gently indicated in his post. By the way, I whole heartedly agree that NitroX's third option is the best option.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikelravy:
Detachable mags are standard on rifles for the most dangerous game, but aren't considered sporting against sort of dangerous game.

Mike

I think you make a good point about the mags but what do you suppose is sort of dangerous about a Lion?

Personally I rather take on a crackhead, a serial killer and a warmonger mean as two snakes, than have a Lion look at me the wrong way.

Snowhound
You are correct. I've never handled a sporting rifle with a smooth and reliable detachable mag. I don't know why though.

I found myself reloading pretty damn quick with two wounded buffalo on their feet at 40 yards. I was using a top loader in .458 Lott. What really matters IMO is being totally familiar with your rifle to the extent you don't need to think- just react.

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter Formerly Known As Texas Hunter:
I found myself reloading pretty damn quick with two wounded buffalo on their feet at 40 yards. I was using a top loader in .458 Lott. What really matters IMO is being totally familiar with your rifle to the extent you don't need to think- just react.

Translation: Use a big magazine not a detachable one.

Any time there is a break in the action, you reload. If you have 3 down and one in the pipe on DG, really how often are you going to shoot more than 4 in one encouter. If you continually reload, what is the purpose of a magazine?

Sounds like a philosophical question.

The practical answer is if they are still kicking and your rifle is empty, you reload. I reloaded twice and started with three down and one up the spout. All were well placed shots with 500 grains at 2300 fps. They just didn't go down right away. Go figure.

What happens if the magazine falls out after the first shot???

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
What happens if the magazine falls out after the first shot???

Mike

There are a lot of "What ifs"

quote:

Originally posted by retreever:
What happens if the magazine falls out after the first shot???

Mike

Then you have a Ruger No. 1


I have 5 detachable magazine (DM) rifles and I've been shooting DM rifles for over 30 years now.

I've never had one fall out accidently, I've never lost one, I've never broken one and I've never forgotten to pack one on a trip. I still have every detachable magazine that I've ever bought.

I don't like detacheable magazines on a hunting rifle.

I use a rifle that takes only 3 rounds - including the one in the chamber, and so far have never found myself in any dire need of more capacity.

I have made it a habit of adding a round as soon as I fire one, and so far this has worked for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter Formerly Known As Texas Hunter:
Sounds like a philosophical question.

The practical answer is if they are still kicking and your rifle is empty, you reload. I reloaded twice and started with three down and one up the spout. All were well placed shots with 500 grains at 2300 fps. They just didn't go down right away. Go figure.

I think you are just not hitting them where they will go down.

I agree with Will on the large magazine.My Sako 75 deluxe rifle will feed very easily compared to other rifles.With a little practice you can load the rifle quickly while holding it behind your back and in the dark.

quote:

I agree with Will on the large magazine.My Sako 75 deluxe rifle will feed very easily compared to other rifles.With a little practice you can load the rifle quickly while holding it behind your back and in the dark.

Would'nt it be better if it could be reloaded while still in front of you in daylight?
This would seem quicker.

Shootaway

quote:

I think you are just not hitting them where they will go down.

Yes, what was I thinking aiming at hearts and shoulders? But Hell, neither had a white square pasted on them!

Good habit, Saeed, and one that I use too, IF there isn't immediate trouble brewing. . .

Kiri,

Even though some clip fed rifles are very fine weapons I think the clip is just one more thing to cause problems in the heat of the moment. The major problem I have had with clips is that if they are not inserted in the receiver just right they can jam badly. If you need that additional round or two right now the clip has to be a handicap.

Mark