I have two mod 81s; 7mm-08 and 308 and a light weight 270 WSM. I love them all but the 308 is how this gun was meant to be (IMHO). The mag size (5+1 for the 08s) has never been an issue. I carry two additional but have never needed the third and rarely need the second.
It's a great Maine whitetail setup with a 1.5x5 scope. Get one and I bet you'll love it too.