Long term sustained recoil spring compression effects?

[CaliforniaCowboy]

So you have heard arguments about whether or not it is ok to leave your mags loaded over long periods. Does it damage or weaken the springs etc. Which I believe most find is not a problem. But I was curious about the affects on the recoil spring if you store your firearm with the slide locked back. I am assuming the springs will not have any negative effects but what do you say? The pistol I carry in my truck in a lockbox is usually kept in there with the slide locked back. I mostly do this in the event an officer ever has to open the box and look at the gun, I just think it is a better configuration in that situation, but was wondering if this might be causing any problems or premature wear of the recoil spring.

[Germ1]

Springs wear out with use from being decompressed and compressed. Leaving them compressed isn't hurting them. I leave all my magazines loaded all the time. As long as you have a quality firearm it's not something you should ever have to worry about.

I replaced one recoil spring at like 12-15k rounds fired, plus what ever the previous owner fired, 3 magazine springs at some where around 18-20k rounds fired, and I just replaced the rest of the springs in my gun at 23k+ rounds fired. I have a new recoil spring on the way too right now because I have a feeling this one is starting to wear out. Getting stove pipes. Glock 19 is the gun if you were wondering.

Don't just take random people on the internet word for it though, do some research.

[CaliforniaCowboy]

Thanks Germ1

[meanrock]

Germ is right, about everything he said. I imagine in the future we might see more flat springs for magazines, but its not cost effective for them vs. the improvement. There are materials better suited than steel- but would have other issues like corrosion. Companies like Glock build magazines to resist wear and tear by millions of idiots. They must be doing something right.