Blind Magazines vs box mags

[hunter991]

I have a Win M70 that has a blind magazine. It seems as if most rifles are now coming this way. Is there any advantage to this? I really don't like this setup when it comes to emptying the chamber It pops the bullets out and they literally fly..

Any tricks to unloading? or does anyone have opinions on the floor plate design or box mags? I have heard some negatives there too. Floor plates dropping and spilling, and rattling on the box mags.

lets here some expert opinions.

[longwinters]

I dont care for the drop box style mags at all.  Give me a clip anyday.  Of course others here will differ with my opinion.  The only way I have ever been able to control the rate of departure for that spring thing is to keep both hands under with one pushing the button and the other slowly letting the contraption drop in my hand and catch the cartridges.  

long

[Dave in WV]

I like the hinged floor plate the best. I haven't had a problem with mine ever opening when it shouldn't. Most rifles have the release on the front of the trigger guard now so the shooter doesn't push the release when not intended. The downside with a removable magazine is they can be left behind. With the hinged floor plate you always have it.
As for a tip on unloading blind magazine rifles, don't close the bolt all the way. Rotate the rifle towards the low side of the ejection port and with the muzzle in a safe direction and elevated. Cycle the bolt without closing it. The cartridges will be pushed up out of the magazine and fall out when you pull the bolt back. It's awkward at first and using a hat or something to catch the cartridges helps.

[Shorty]

A blind magazine has pluses and minuses.

Plus; Cheaper to make/ cheaper to buy, fewer parts and less machine work.
Clean lines/smooth bottom, for esthetics.
A stronger stock; it ain't cut in half.

Minus;  Harder to unload; Harder to clean out (rain/snow/spruce needles).
Association with cheaply made guns. :wink:

[oldelkhunter]

Blind magazines are plain and simple a PITA. They however especially in very lightweight rifles make the stock stronger because there is no magazine cutout. On a Fullsize rifle it is a economy issue and they should come with some sort of magazine /floorplate system.  I don't like working cartridges thru a rifle unecessarily either. It could potentially be dangerous

[Lawdog]

oldelkhunter,

I agree with you completely.  Won't own one that can't be converted over to a hinged floor-plate.  Lawdog