So I finally got tired of that magazine extending down so far and the mag latch being bumped accidentally, so I did something about it today. Fortunately, there is a small ridge all the way around the magazine at just the right point to make it a 3-round mag by cutting off the portion below it. If you try this, just don't cut right up against that line. Leave about 1/8" below it and then work that down with a wood rasp or file to get a good tight fit on the lip of the magazine bottom plate. There are a few little spots to file down on the floorplate carrier, and I took off about 1/4 of the protruding piece on the plastic follower, but it all went back together just fine and I now have a tight fitting 3-round mag that doesn't get in the way of my hand.
I also trimmed that release lever down to the point where I had to intentionally try to release the mag. No accidental bumps and dropped mags for me now. This carries in the hand so much better, and I'll never miss those 2 rounds in the mag. If I think there is a chance I'll be getting into a big pack of pigs, I'll just buy an extra 5-round mag for it. But this is my range rifle and a hunting rifle, and I wanted a little sleeker lines and better carrying. I really like it now.
I'll probably lop about 1.5" off that forend next time I get bored, but the way this baby has been shooting, I'm reluctant to pull it out of the stock again!
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