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mausingfield and surgeon 591 users

Surgeon will work but not ideal the port is a little small for top loading comfortably ,even so you could always carry a pair of chopsticks in a +2 round holder to help load em in.
On a serious note,for a dedicated bdl set up,I would be looking at an action with a more open load/ejection port.Brownells sell a defiance made action under there own branding that would be a better choice for your m40 clone it has a swept back handle like the 700,uses Rem 700 mounts and no bolt fluting which would be keeping with more of an original look.
 
I have had and used many Surgeons set up as BDL. Surgeon sold many of them as well. No issue at all. I am not even sure Surgeon offered a DBM the first few years. If for some odd reason you have issues with top loading it simply have more clearance milled though I doubt this is will be necessary.
 
Think ARC has a “Hunter” version of the M5. Never seen it on their website though. Might be the way to go for a internal magazine.

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What's the story on standard M5's and internal box mags? I know the original versions were not compatible, but are the M5C# versions? I know the bottom of the receiver was opened up to work with PMags and other polymer AICS magazines, but not sure if the internal BDL style mags will work?

Edit: The Hunter M5 is awesome. Probably going to be one in my future after school is done.
 
I ran a badger ordnance M4 bottom metal for eight years or so on my surgeon 591. I still have the manners stock and bottom metal if I ever want to go back to that configuration. The surgeon action has an anti jam rail cut into the left raceway to prevent your rounds from jamming like a 700 will. I agree the port was a little small with the integral rail but it was not bad. It was a nice clean set up and made carrying the rifle easy.
 
Well, if you’re a CRF/Mauser whore like I am, you’d look closely at the FN A1 with a floorplate from tacticalcoordination.com. There is also one in the px I think. You could buy one of those, sell the stock, and buy an HTG. Comes with a Badger Ordinance rail and a solid adjustable trigger (single stage).

I’ve said it many times I hate myself for selling mine, very smooth, robust action and I believe on par with a custom feature set. Only real negative compared to an M5 is the lack of quick barrel changes, BUT the factory chrome lined barrel should last you a very long time.