What causes magazines to wear ?

[USMC0811]

What causes magazines to wear out ? Is it being loaded for an extended period of time ? or is it because of constantly being loaded and unloaded causing the spring to expanded and contract ?

I ask because i just purchased some extra pistol mags and would like to know how you keep yours ?

I've searched the topic but could not get a definate answer

[sorensen440]

Springs wear from being cycled
the feedlips on some mags can spread though

[bohoki]

plastic bottoms break
,followers get grooves and notches
the slide lock nub can become rounded,
severe body rust inside or out,
spring kink from a loading anomaly ,
body dents

[Casual Observer]

be sure you clean them as well. Carbon build up will eventually lead to feeding problems.

[Matt C]

Keeping them loaded does not wear the springs (springs don't work that way), but repeated loading and unloading can weaken them.

[Jicko]

What causes magazines to wear out ? Is it being loaded for an extended period of time ? or is it because of constantly being loaded and unloaded causing the spring to expanded and contract ?

I ask because i just purchased some extra pistol mags and would like to know how you keep yours ?

I've searched the topic but could not get a definate answer

Mine?.... mag bodies, from dropping (and sometimes, stepped on afterwards)...... during IPSC/IDPA/3-guns/tactical matches....

[aplinker]

The only things I kill are bodies and springs. Floor plates seem to be indestructible (just bend them back), but the bodies don't work if bent.

[USMC0811]

thanks for all the replies, i'll just keep all my mags loaded then since it doesn't hurt them.

[Army]

Getting damp on the bathroom floor

[joemama]

how do you clean them? I posted a while back about how i was having trouble with my 10/20 pmag and i oiled it a little to try and get it to not stick, someone said never oil them.

[JDay]

how do you clean them? I posted a while back about how i was having trouble with my 10/20 pmag and i oiled it a little to try and get it to not stick, someone said never oil them.

Its best to use graphite since the oil will attract dust/dirt and other crap. You take the magazines apart to clean them, i.e. remove floor plate.