magazine life span

[youpock]

Looked around a bit and couldn't really find a clear answer to my question. If there is a thread about this or a keyword I can search just point me in the direction.

But I'm wondering on average about how long will a factory pistol mag hold up fully loaded without use? EDIT: That is, how long until the spring wears out.

[audihenry]

By mag you must mean the mag springs? It really is hard to say and would depend on the magazine, I assume.

[romeomikelima]

*****

[shovel88ci]

The old saying goes that you shouldnt leave a magazine loaded long term. The title reminded me of a funny story.....

Many years ago I was in a gun store when a guy walked in and said he would like to buy all of the store's Glock 17 magazines. While he was being rung up he said something like

"These things are so expensive I wish they were reuseable."

Yep, he thought magazines were disposable after the first use!

[9mmepiphany]

magazine springs don't wear if you just leave them loaded

springs wear when "worked", that is compressing and expanding...like loading and unloading them

[Josh3239]

helixaphobia
n.
A persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of flaccid springs, or a tactic, technique, or procedure that compels one to avoid helical flaccidity, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not caused by prolonged compression.

[CHS]

But I'm wondering on average about how long will a factory pistol mag hold up fully loaded without use?

Basically, forever. As long as it's being prevented from rusting.

Springs don't wear out from being constantly compressed, they wear out from compression/relaxation CYCLES.

So yeah. Forever.

[badfish71]

I've had some mags loaded and unloaded (used in firearm) for about 15 years.. i say they still have a long way to go..

[Noobert]

Some people had 1911 magazines stored topped off from WWI that worked fine

[cc56]

I know people say keep a magazine loaded doesn't cause spring problems...... I found a Military M9/Beretta 92f mag that looked new and was loaded with 15 rounds (outside CA). It had probably been there for 2-3 years untouched. Well when we went to unload it there was no spring force behind it. Same thing with military M16 mags, leaving them loaded seems to wear the spring tension out. I know there are a lot of used (heavily used) magazines out there but some look new and the springs suck. Ohh well Army crap strikes again.

[youpock]

haha well I had meant the springs wearing out.. probably should have made that clear. So it seems that its the general use that has the biggest affect on them not just the fact of being compressed?

[CHS]

So it seems that its the general use that has the biggest affect on them not just the fact of being compressed?

Bingo.

[RANGER295]

I have one magazine for my P226 that has been continuously loaded for about 6 years now except for when I shoot the ammo out of it every 6 months or so and reload it. No problems. I also have mags that date back to WWII and earlier that still function fine.

[swerv512]

if you buy polymer mags, they'll outlast you....

[five.five-six]

it's real short, I have had to rebuild dozens of hi-cap mags since 2000