Hi Brandon, you can use either method.
Big Boy’s polished brass receiver sports a side loading gate, allowing you to top off the tube magazine without dropping the rifle from your shoulder. We’ve also retained the traditional magazine tube for safe and easy unloading. With both loading options at your disposal, you’ll always have your rifle at the ready.
Stay safe & have a great day!

Hi Brandon and welcome. By design you can use both the loading side gate or the tubular magazine. Cheers and stay safe!

Yes, you can load in from the side gate to keep her running rounds during an outing. But, you can also utilize the traditional tube loading/unloading still!