Storing loaded PMAG 30 clips over time

[timweidner]

I just got 2 new PMAG 30 magazines for my M&P 15 Sport and wondered if there is any danger of the spring becoming permanently compressed if the magazines are stored fully loaded for an extended period of time -- like weeks or months?

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

No problem.

 

[Wenzomatic]

I haven't noticed any issues & it's been 4 to 6 months on some of them...

 

[gdnagle]

As per Magpul when asked this question....


Thank you for your inquiry. The factor that truly wears out quality springs is compression cycles, not constant compression. However, we use a high-quality stainless steel springs in our PMAGs and if one ever does happen to wear out any USGI spec spring can be swapped out for the factory one.

Regarding the question of how long, we've had magazines fully loaded for over four years now with no Impact/Dust Cover on and have experienced no feed lip or spring issues. With the cover installed storage life is considered indefinite. There have also been PMAGS reportedly tested to hundreds-of-thousands of rounds (military vetting), and we know positively of ones that have gone tens-of-thousands, so usable life is quite excellent too.



_____________________________________

DANIEL HUNTER TECH SUPPORT SPECIALIST



MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.

OBTW
Thank you for your inquiry. The factor that truly wears out quality springs is compression cycles, not constant compression. However, we use a high-quality stainless steel springs in our PMAGs and if one ever does happen to wear out any USGI spec spring can be swapped out for the factory one.

Regarding the question of how long, we've had magazines fully loaded for over four years now with no Impact/Dust Cover on and have experienced no feed lip or spring issues. With the cover installed storage life is considered indefinite. There have also been PMAGS reportedly tested to hundreds-of-thousands of rounds (military vetting), and we know positively of ones that have gone tens-of-thousands, so usable life is quite excellent too.



_____________________________________

DANIEL HUNTER TECH SUPPORT SPECIALIST



MAGPUL INDUSTRIES CORP.

OBTW

 

[Kodiakco]

From what I understand a constant compression and release are what wears out a spring. A compressed spring doesn't wear like a worked spring.

 

[USAF385]

Here's a little story that directly relates to this topic.

Back when I first enlisted, part of my goodie bag that I received was two USAF carabiners. One of them I have been using on my keychain for the past many years.

Recently, it started acting up and the clasp part was getting wobbly.

I found a box of old stuff and came across some of my Air Force SWAG. There was the other carabiner, clipped to the side of the box. Clipped to the side, so the spring was compressed.

Guess what? It was noticeably stiffer that the one I've been clipping and unclipping to my belt loop for the past many years.

So yeah, compression isn't an issue, it's the constant cycling.

 

[growr]

It is mandatory that you fire any loaded magazines within 75-100 years of its loading!!

Randy

PS. Just being a wise guy.....There is NO problem in your doing so.

 

[TheMaineEvent]

No worries. Personally, I consider an unloaded mag useless. From your post, I'd say your only problem is the lack of more mags. Buy those suckers up!!

 

[saltair]

Mags. loaded for 4 years and no problems.

 

[rtquig]

I see this is your first post, welcome to the forum.
Although I'm sure everyone that read your post knew you are talking about magazines, your title states "clips". I know, not the end of the world, we understood your question, but in the future you may want to use the word magazine as they are two different parts that in the end accomplish the same thing- feed round into chamber. Please don't take this as "I am busting you balls", not at all.

 

[JWH321]

Unused ammo is only safe if stored in PMAGs. You should therefore only buy ammo in quantities equally divisible by 30. it's safer, but not totally mandatory, if you store your ammo iin the mags with the little windows so you can keep an eye on things while they are being stored.

 

[rtquig]

I bought a hulu loader/unloader a few months ago. If I haven't shot in a while I will unload them and load them right back up. Springs work fine. The Hulu makes it a few minute job, should have bought one years ago.

 

[MrG5122]

I hope not. I have 100 or so stashed somewhere.

 

[Shootingfun]

I have like 3 Pmags and I always keep them loaded, no issues here in almost 2 years since I got them, I also keep my Tapco mags and USGI metal mags loaded.

 

[timweidner]

Thanks for the excellent responses everyone! Exactly what I was hoping to hear!

 

[Damn Yankee]

Got some of these. Guaranteed for life. Check out the videos.

ETS Group - Videos

 

[TheMaineEvent]

One thing with Pmags that I make sure I do is add a dust cover on my loaded mags since it keeps some pressure off of the feed lips. I hear that the Gen 3 mags it doesn't matter if you have one, but I mostly have Gen 2s, but I put a dust cover on them no matter what Gen they are.

 

[timweidner]

TheMaineEvent -- sounds like an excellent idea!