Lazi - I've had problems with CProducts AR15 magazines, and wouldn't waste money trying one of their GSR mags. Ruger gives a 10% discount (in their online store) when you register your rifle online. This means $14 off their $70 mag price. I feel this is a "three mag rifle". I've found the mags online for $46 each + shipping. Therefore, plan on adding $100 to your total cost (to include 2 spare mags).

The magazines cannot be topped off in the rifle. They are a "load from the front design" meaning the feed lips are not far enough apart for a round to be loaded from the top. The ammunition is inserted from the front of the magazine and pushed toward the rear and slightly downward. This is a good design from the standpoint of magazine reliability and the fact that rounds won't pop out of the spare mags, but it makes loading them more difficult.

Contrary to some reports, the rifle can be loaded without a magazine. In fact, the manual describes the procedure. "Drop round in chamber, close bolt". This was a relief to me, because I didn't want to get stuck with a really heavy and expensive oar if I lost or damaged the mags.

Hooker - the balance is about where the magazine is. However, once I add a scout scope I think the balance will be right in front of the magazine (which is ideal for me).

Jeff - the trigger in my rifle is CRISP. I mean MATCH CRISP. I was very surprised that Ruger (who has warning labels on their warning labels) made a rifle with a light and crisp trigger. This is sad to say, but the death of Bill Ruger gave the company the freedom it needed to bring good products to market.