janusthephoenix 24 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 (edited) I've heard conflicting opinions about preloading magazines. That is, keeping the magazines loaded at all times as opposed to just before you intend to go shooting. Does it really wear out the spring if you keep mags loaded for long periods of time? How much, generally? (I know it depends on the kind of mag, probably.) How many of you do it anyway for readiness purposes, even if it does wear down the spring? Edited November 14, 2009 by JanusthePhoenix Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Flashbang 34 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 I've heard conflicting opinions about preloading magazines. That is, keeping the magazines loaded at all times as opposed to just before you intend to go shooting. Does it really wear out the spring if you keep mags loaded for long periods of time? How much, generally? (I know it depends on the kind of mag, probably.) How many of you do it anyway for readiness purposes, even if it does wear down the spring? I keep all my mags loaded all the time. My S&W 5946 mags have been kept loaded for the last 16 years (other than when I have shot at the range of course) and have never had a problem. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bigsal 757 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 I am not a metallurgist, but the spring memory should last a long, long time even if the magazine is loaded. So load away without worry. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
nalioth 405 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 I wish I had a nickel every time this question gets asked. Spring do not wear out when they're static. That means that empty or loaded, the springs are fine. It is the cycling that wears out springs. That means that if you are an avid competitor, your mags will suffer spring failure from the repeated load/unload cycles before the guy who keeps his mags loaded for years at a time's mags will. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alexc.s. 25 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 The spring in a magazine fails due to being used. Loading and unloading. If you leave a magazine loaded it is not moving the spring and wearing it out. Load up and be ready, your magazine will work fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
janusthephoenix 24 Posted November 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 All I needed to hear. Thanks, guys. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
22_Shooter 1,560 Posted November 14, 2009 Report Share Posted November 14, 2009 After a session, I refill all the mags I emptied (given I have the ammo to do so) when I get home. They stay that way until I go shooting again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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