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For left handers like myself the Mauser 'thumb' cut does work well when loading the magazine, not using chargers of course, they were only for the military cartridges in clips, they don't make charging clips for the 404J!!!!

When loading from charger clips using the right hand/thumb the cutout does provide relief for the tip of the thumb as cartridges are pushed down into the magazine and of course as already pointed out, accommodate charging when wearing gloves.

The cutout was also designed by Mauser as a gas relief in event of a ruptured case, better if you are shooting left handed but still better than gas coming back down the bolt when using any handed.

As for weakening the action it has no bearing as the Mauser is a front locking action therefore all the work to hold the rifle together on firing is done at the front lug recess area of the receiver.

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