Why is the side-loading mag a thing of the past? I'm trying to work out a bullpup AK build, and I keep running into an issue with the magazine requiring too much travel area as it swings to lock/unlock, not leaving enough room for a grip forward of the action. So I figure- turn it sideways! I'm sure theres a reason why this isn't commonly done... but I can't think of much. I'm interested in your input.
