Magazines - Keep Filled or Not?

[Sierra Gold]

I'm new around here, not super experienced, and so I apologize if this topic has been beaten to death already (I did a search and did not find anything, though).

My question has to to with keeping magazines filled versus not keeping them loaded with cartridges. I'm thinking specifically in terms of the home defense context, in which you don't want to be fiddling with loading cartridges when you hear things going bump in the night! But, I would think that the springs in the magazines would lose their efficacy after a while. Is this worth worrying about?

Thank you.

[777]

Keep two filled, with one in the gun (safe from children of course). The springs in the mags should be fine, but if you're concerned about the springs losing some springiness, then buy some extra mags and switch them out every week.

[TurboChrisB]

Nothing to worry about. Keep as many loaded as you think you might ever possibly need. The springs will NEVER wear out because you left a mag loaded. Constant loading and unloading wear on the springs more than leaving them loaded.

[MontClaire]

Can also stretch those springs manually when you disassemble for cleaning.

[MotoFahren]

Can also stretch those springs manually when you disassemble for cleaning.

That would wear them out faster than any added benefit.

[johnnycharro]

AR Magpul mags I keep loaded to capacity. The metal ones I load two rounds short (28). I used to keep them topped off, but noticed they would begin to bulge. Handgun (defensive) mags all filled to capacity. Target mags empty.

[Creampuff]

Can also stretch those springs manually when you disassemble for cleaning.

No. Whatever you do don't do that. It is the constant decompression and recompression that destroys the springs.

Bend a paper clip once. It will be fine. Now bend it 100 times at the same junction it will break. By unbending it you are reintroducing the same micro fractures. Stretching the spring will only make it fail sooner.

[Can'thavenuthingood]

Welcome to Calguns.net
Here you go, a scientific answer



https://www.quora.com/Do-springs-lose-energy-after-being-compressed-for-a-long-time


Vick

[Can'thavenuthingood]

I keep them one round shy of full.
Its the cycling of the spring that weakens them.

Just like on a valve train, garage door springs, lifters etc.

Vick

[777]

Welcome to Calguns.net
Here you go, a scientific answer



https://www.quora.com/Do-springs-lose-energy-after-being-compressed-for-a-long-time


Vick

did you get that graph from an erectile dysfunction website?

[Malthusian]

I read a post about this a long time ago

Why waste the negative space?

Keep em loaded

[Sierra Gold]

No. Whatever you do don't do that. It is the constant decompression and recompression that destroys the springs.

Bend a paper clip once. It will be fine. Now bend it 100 times at the same junction it will break. By unbending it you are reintroducing the same micro fractures. Stretching the spring will only make it fail sooner.

So, just to be clear, don't clean the magazines (this is suggested in so many owner's manuals) because this does more damage than necessary?

Thanks!

[Can'thavenuthingood]

did you get that graph from an erectile dysfunction website?

I just happened to be there in the area when it popped up right there in front of me

Science, go figger.

Vick

[Exodus343]

Load all your defense ammo in your mags
Hope you never have to use them

/thread

Lol welcome
To calguns

[omega]

always have spare mags available, dont be like those cheap guys that only have one magazine, have at least three, and maybe even a couple extra that dont get used at all.

the only magazines that get weak springs from long term storage are usually the non factory after market no name brand cheap gun show bargain mags.