If I was buying a new 300 Mag. I would buy the Short version. If I already had a 300 Win Mag, I would not trade it in for the short mag. There just is not enough PRACTICLE difference to matter. I would opt for the shorter action if I was starting from scratch. I must add however that I agree with AK Anything from the 270 on up is more than plenty of gun for all North American Big game. IF YOU CAN SHOOT IT WELL.