Loaded Magazine
 

I keep my Rock Island Armory 45 ACP in my nightstand with 8 rounds in the magazine. My question: How long can you leave a magazine loaded before it damages or ruins the magazine? Or will it hurt it at all? This is why I want a 357 magnum revolver for the night stand lol. Any advice will be appreciated :) I also have my carry piece (sigma 9mm) loaded all the time.

Keep my mags loaded at all times in my glock and 1911 haven't had any issues at all I do load one round short to put less stress though

I've heard of guys that have had mags loaded since the Vietnam war, they aren't hurt...

My 1911 has been loaded 99.999% of 3 years and works better now than when I bought it.

I have a couple of 1911 handguns, so I switch them up every other month.

If you keep your mags loaded you should check them every 5 or 10 years.

Leaving your mags loaded will NOT hurt them, the loading and unloading of them wears the springs more than keeping them loaded.

Loading and unloading your mags does more harm than leaving them loaded.

The springs have no issues remaining compressed or relaxed. Cycling them is what wears them out.

ALSO, a mag that is used often, like your range mags vs. your carry mags MUST be cleaned and lightly lubed (for protection, NO grease!) when dirty. This depends on how dirty the ammo you use is and how many rounds you've cycled.

Get a caliber specific mag tube brush. Think of it as an investment.

Magazine Brushes - Brownells

+1
Listen to Wray & Cane on this. But the only reason I quote Wrays post is to give him a shout out on that awesome Kermit Zombie avatar pic!!!!
That is sweet!!!

Haha, thanks brother. Im pretty fond of it myself, i wanted to keep my zombie theme going :-)

Da Ja Voo :)