Loaded Magazines

[Unit505]

I think an empty mag is as bad as an empty gun, but I wanted to know your opinions. Do you guys keep your mags loaded all of the time? Will the spring weaken significantly over time? I've got four mags and was considering unloading 2 of them, but then again, I just don't like having empty mags.

 

[DWinter]

All loaded all the time. I've always done it that way and I've never had issues even with cheaper weapons.

 

[Photog]

I do alternate keeping magazines loaded, usually empty them out about once every 6-8 months. Now that being said, I bought a 1913 vintage Colt 1911 that was brought back from WWI. I bought it from the grandson who inherited it and wanted nothing to do with guns. It came with 7 rounds of 1918 stamped ammo in the magazine along with a sock filled with about 25 more rounds. He said his grandfather kept it in the cab of his tractor and he didn't remember it ever being shot. He said his grandfather brought the gun back with him from France in 1918 and used it as a "truck" gun.
I unloaded the magazine, did a bit of cleaning of it and the gun, and shot it. Functioned fine. I have bought several loaded magazines from WWII and the Korean Conflict, both 45 auto and M-1 Carbine, and aside from cleaning, there was no problems.

 

[BUFF]

Springs wear out from repeated cycling, not from being compressed or relaxed within their design specs. Leaving them loaded won't cause any problems.

 

[Sleddog30]

Springs wear out from repeated cycling, not from being compressed or relaxed within their design specs. Leaving them loaded won't cause any problems.

What he said.

 

[Thunderhawk88]

Springs wear out from repeated cycling, not from being compressed or relaxed within their design specs. Leaving them loaded won't cause any problems.

That's it in a nutshell. I keep mine loaded.

 

[blastfact]

Yep, Loaded

 

[PDL]

+whatever. Keep 'em loaded.

 

[jppezz23]

Thank you all for the information.All 6 of mine are loaded.

 

[Tweety Bird]

There are parts on airliners that have springs that are constantly under tension, compression or torsional loads, and they hold up just fine.

If it's good enough for Boeing, it's good enough for me. Load 'em up and keep 'em thataway.

 

[Crazy K38]

I figure even if it is bad for the springs, you can buy new ones, you can't buy more life! Keep em Cocked and Locked, waiting for that one appointment you don't want and I'm not talking about the mother in law.

 

[Ceapea]

There are parts on airliners that have springs that are constantly under tension, compression or torsional loads, and they hold up just fine.

If it's good enough for Boeing, it's good enough for me. Load 'em up and keep 'em thataway.

Yeah , I might trust a company named Boing! to make springs, but not airplanes!

Just a little humor

Ceapea

 

[KyWstJoe]

Always loaded, never a failure.

 

[leejack]

Load-em!

Of course, unload-em at the range every now and then!

Repeat as necessary.

Lee

 

[Unit505]

Thanks for all the input guys. Loaded it is!

 

[Tslepebull]

I don't keep ALL of mine loaded all the time. I don't have that much ammo. I do keep the one in my house gun and my traveling companion loaded.

 

[1 old 0311]

All my firearms are loaded all the time. Easy to remember.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I think an empty mag is as bad as an empty gun, but I wanted to know your opinions. Do you guys keep your mags loaded all of the time? Will the spring weaken significantly over time? I've got four mags and was considering unloading 2 of them, but then again, I just don't like having empty mags.

Yes, as to mags that are "ready" (these are the mags for the carry pistol). No, as to pistols in storage.

Although there are differences of opinion, what seems like the accepted facts as to this issue are:

1. Full loading will somewhat compress the springs, but not enough to affect functioning even if kept loaded for a VERY long time.

2. Firing seems to have more of a negative effect on the magazine springs.

3. Loading "one round down" from max capacity will do two things, (a) allow easier lock in with the slide down; and, (b) will extend spring life almost indefinitely. Keep in mind, however, that the one round down might be the one you need "in a pinch."

If this issue really bothers you, order an extra spring for each magazine and replace the springs every 25 years or so. . . .