[sheprd]

How long should a magizine be left fully loaded ? Will spring damage occour if left loaded to long ? Thanks for any suggestions.

[RadioActiV]

If I don't plan on using the gun I keep the mags unloaded. All my home defense guns are wheel guns. My carry gun is the only one that usually stays loaded. and I swap them out from time to time. I do this to keep the spring from fatiguing. Back to your question at hand I believe (if i am wrong someone correct me) that the springs will wear out if left loaded all the time.

[mrm14]

My real experience is that you can leave magazines loaded for 20 years or more with no ill effects. What wares the springs out is use (constantly unloading and reloading) of the magazine.

[sheprd]

Thanks RadioActiv and mrm14 for your response. I appreciate the info. Usually I'm a Revolver user but am considering trying an Auto

[masterPsmith]

The quality of springs nowdays is better than in the past. I have never had any problems with the springs in my magazines. I try to rotate mags in my P-14 if I remember to do so, but have left them full of Talons for well over a year at a time with no problems. If you do a lot of shooting, you do need to clean your mags once in a while, which is something most people don't do, or even think of doing. A dirty mag can and will cause you problems, hopefully not when it is needed the most. Do regular cleaning and maint. on your mags, just like you do for your pistol. It just may save your life some day................


Jim...............

[JonM]

unloading mags and loading them is what causes fatigue in springs. your actually doing more damage by swapping them out and letting them "rest" once loaded leave them loaded until fired.

[sheprd]

Thanks masterPsmith and JonM for your input. My doubts about magzine springs has been removed. I am now comfortable with going with an Auto loader.

[KalashnikovJosh]

This article might be helpful-

Magazine spring madness: 'creep' to your 'elastic limit' to un-earth the urban legend of 'spring-set' | American Handgunner | Find Articles at BNET