New Rifle Build - Magazine Fed or Top Loader

[Garrett H.]

I'm getting ready to build a new hunting rifle and I've decided to go with the 6.5 SAUM 4S. I'm leaning towards a GAP Extreme Hunter. What are your opinions on a magazine fed vs. top loader for a hunting rifle? I'm not looking to play the oz game in my setup, just wanting to see what your opinions are on the pluses and minus of each setup?

 

[Garycrow]

It depends upon how much you plan on shooting it. For a dedicated big game rifle I prefer a standard magazine with a floorplate. For a rifle that's going to be shot a lot I prefer detachable magazines. My prairie dog rifles have DBM, deer and elk rifles have floorplates.

 

[WildRose]

It depends upon how much you plan on shooting it. For a dedicated big game rifle I prefer a standard magazine with a floorplate. For a rifle that's going to be shot a lot I prefer detachable magazines. My prairie dog rifles have DBM, deer and elk rifles have floorplates.

Well put. I prefer the standard BDL in Remington's and similar bottom dump internal magazines.

External magazines are great for high volume shooting but they can be a real pain in the woods because if you have a magazine release that is practical, it's very easy to accidentally release your magazine unintentionally and find yourself "mag free" at just the wrong moment.

 

[Garrett H.]

Thanks guys for your input, you both make some great points.

 

[B-P-UU]

Curtis Custom BM and flush AICS mag... best of both worlds

 

[Buck3]

I'm having gap build me a Creedmoor for hunting. I went with BDL bottom metal because I usually carry my rifle with a hand in front of the trigger guard. I much prefer the clean feel of the factory bdl. My decision had nothing to do with accidentally dropping the mag, but that is a valid point as well. On bench guns I do use and prefer detachable mags, just because they are more convenient. YMMV

 

[Garrett H.]

I'm having gap build me a Creedmoor for hunting. I went with BDL bottom metal because I usually carry my rifle with a hand in front of the trigger guard. I much prefer the clean feel of the factory bdl. My decision had nothing to do with accidentally dropping the mag, but that is a valid point as well. On bench guns I do use and prefer detachable mags, just because they are more convenient. YMMV

What are the specs? Stock, barrel, brake etc.

 

[Buck3]

It going to be a 6mm Creedmoor. The plan is a Manners EH1 with the elite clear web in FDE, Stiller Tac30, Bartlein #3 fluted and finished at 23", and threaded for a Ti can. It will be Ceracoated 2 tone black with FDE fluted to match the stock.

I am hoping to have it by May

 

[WildRose]

Curtis Custom BM and flush AICS mag... best of both worlds

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View attachment 70217

I like that. I take it that the forward portion of the trigger guard is the mag release?