Dave McC wrote: "And for tactical use, fire one, load one."
I don't usually get overly concerned about magazine capacity. One is more likely to run out of time than ammo. Still, a higher capacity can be comforting and can result in having to divide one's attention a bit less due to requiring less weapon manipulation.
I'm aware of how a pump shotgun can be manipulated in a "shoot one/load one" manner, without breaking one's firing grip and maintaining the weapon in a firing position. How does one do this with a lever action? All of the lever guns I've worked with are configured so as to require loading with one's strong hand and, generally, dropping the piece from the shoulder to do so. The user is not capable of responding, immediately, to a threat while loading (which is why I prefer to minimize the need to load). Am I missing something here?
Also, with no butt-cuff, from where are you getting the rounds you're loading? A belt holder? A pocket? What if you've just been awakened and grab up the rifle while in your skivvies or PJ's? Where's your spare ammo then?
Rosco
[This message has been edited by Rosco Benson (edited January 05, 2000).]