Magazine release: Push-botton or flapper?

[natedog]

Which do you prefer between the push-button/straight insertion magazine releases vs. the flapper/rock-lock magazine release? I think it's summed up like this:

Push-button Pros:

Easily released without moving hand from firing position
Magazines drop free
Magazines insert faster

Cons:

Magazine is not held as securely as the flapper sytle
Magazine release is not ambidextrious (sp?)

Flapper release pros:

Magazine is held in very securely
Ambidextrious operation

Flapper cons:

Rock-Lock is a bit akward in comparison to straight insertion
Magazines can get jammed if not inserted at the right angle
Rock-lock is a bit slower

 

[cslinger]

Although I love AK's I much prefer the button release of the AR series, which is one gun where I think the button is placed just about perfectly. On an HK91 I want the paddle because the button is just to far away for my small hands.

Overall I am a button guy, though.

Chris

 

[4v50 Gary]

G-3 has the best of all worlds. Flapper on the bottom and push button on the top. Only thing missing is that the pushbutton isn't ambidextrious but that's OK, you've got the flapper.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Push-button, AR-15-style. Quick, easy. Old magazines drop free while you are grabbing a new one.

Then again, I am a righty and have never had to worry about ambidextrous rifles.

 

[ny32182]

I'm a lefty, and it still takes me several TIMES longer to change an AK than an AR.

With the AR, I grab the mag with my right hand and pull it out while pressing the button with my right thumb. Put new mag in with my right hand, hit the bolt catch with my trigger finger... ready to rock.

Changing an AK mag is quite the bigger production.

 

[MeekandMild]

Duh, what is a flapper? Could you post a picture?

 

[Correia]

Flapper/rock & lock all the way. And I'm probably going to be the only hopelessly addicted 3gunner to respond that way.

 

[natedog]

The part right in front of the trigger guard, behind the magazine. It's the magazine release referred to as the "flapper" style. You push it forward to drop the magazine.

 

[DMK]

I don't think the problem with mag changes in the AK is the mag release. It's the bolt handle: It's on the wrong side.

The FAL got it right: Actuate the flapper type mag release with the left thumb and the bolt can be released or charged with the left hand so the right hand stays on the pistol grip.

The AR button and bolt controls work well too, but the flapper type, being a lever, gives you more leverage if the mag hangs on the catch.

 

[MeekandMild]

Thanks, Nate. Now that I see what you are calling a flapper I recognize the .17 Marlin bolt action comes with one. But to tell the truth I like buttons, number 15 in this parts diagram for instance.

 

[shoobe01]

The UZI is a good one, is that a button or a "flapper" (lever to me)? I say it hinges, so its a lever. A number of euro bolt rifles also have button-like levers to remove the magazine. Hmm.

I did think of another one. The Calico has two levers, one on each side of the magazine and both need to be pressed. This actually works out in practice, as your hand goes right to them as you grab onto the mag. I think the P.90 is the same way. I bring this up only to annoy everyone with another option.

Ooh! I thought of another one. On bullpups with flapper types, front or back release? The FAMAS has a /front/ lever, and the mag is basically a straight (M-16) inserted type. The AUG is in the back.

How about the weird extended lever on the Thompson SMG? Supposed to be one-handed like the M16, but overall the system is too stiff for it to help much.

Another note: The G-36 (XM-8, UMP, etc.) has only a flapper. Even HK gave up on the extra button.