Loaded Magazines

[Gunfighter]

Will keeping AR-15 magazines or any quality magazine fully loaded for long periods of time weaken the spring causing feeding problems?

 

[ajridgedell]

I've heard opinions both ways. I choose to cycle my magazines out every once in a while.

 

[Mxav]

^ x2

 

[kingfhb]

I've had some stored for years Metal or Magpul 30 stacked. I have always heard both sides views though just as stated above. My personal experience with them? It's been a non-issue. Now since I've posted this, I will probably start having issues. THANKS!

P.S. I cycle most of my mags, but I have a few that stay loaded and ready that only get cycled and reloaded maybe once every 2 to 3 years.

 

[JBP55]

I know it is a Non Issue with Glock magazines. It is the cycling that weakens springs.

 

[JCcypress]

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/magazine-springs-and-ammo-cycling/

I shoot enough that mine are cycled through many times per year, but the majority of them stay loaded. Mags are cheap, especially AR mags. If I have one that acts up more than once, it usually goes in the trash, but that really doesn't happen very often. It's not something that I worry about.

 

[JadeRaven]

Consensus is that it's a non-issue.

Also physics, metallurgy tells us it is a non-issue.

Regardless, some still down-load their mags, seems like 28rds is popular among these folks. Doesn't hurt, but you won't have those last two rounds

 

[Gunfighter]

Thanks for the input.

 

[REDLINE83]

Non issue.

Think about it, it's like a paper clip. It's not the constant tension that kills it, it's the back and forth movement over time that kills it. Of course it would have to really have some excessive use.

Keep them loaded is a non-issue. Using the same mag over and over a thousand times is more harmful.....imho

 

[machinedrummer]

Even if you cycle the mags they will still be loaded all the time. You can cycle the ammo (shoot it) and reload with fresh ammo. I guess the question is loaded mags vs empty mag storage. I have both and have not experienced issues either way. I have had bad mags but that was right out the box and over time but can't blame it on storage. Things malfunction, wear, and break. Keep a few loaded up and store the rest empty if it makes you feel better.

 

[machinedrummer]

If anyone has old mags that have been loaded for years and you are worried about them not working, empty the and I will gladly take them off your hands for free.

 

[Rainsdrops]

ive found a few metal ar15 mags with broken spot welds, that were stored at max capacity.
now i dont load those with more than 20 rounds.

my grandfather was a gun nut. we found a old rusted colt .25 acp in his collection, when he past. the mags were loaded. We believe they had been stored loaded for more than 20 years
the gun and mags function fine, to this day. I've heard similar 1911, and astra tales

 

[swampfoxx]

I load my D&H aluminum mags to 28 rounds (I have read about issues with feed lips). My Magpuls and steel mags, I load to 30. Springs wear out from use, not from static loads.

 

[Blue Diamond]

I have a Remington 597 magnum that u cant leave ammo in long. U have to disassemble and restretch the spring and reass. It will hold maybe 6 months but after that I would not trust it.

 

[jguilletjr]

Will keeping AR-15 magazines or any quality magazine fully loaded for long periods of time weaken the spring causing feeding problems?

Nope

 

[machinedrummer]

If a revolver was cocked for years would the hammer spring no longer work? Or does the cocking and de-cocking wear the spring? Just a thought.

 

[Request Dust Off]

an article in a magazine I receive:
http://www.assemblymag.com/articles/91659-springs-stampings-and-firearms

 

[RustyHammer]

... when I was in the Navy, we carried 1911's and extra mags loaded to max -1 cartridge. I've done that since and never had a problem in 30+ years.

 

[Emperor]

I am sure this is not enough for the "know it all" crowd here, but stand alone magazine manufacturers and tier 1 gun manufacturers have consistently maintained that long term storage of loaded magazines is not an issue to the life and functionality of the magazine.

If the physics of springs failed like that, every car in America over 3 years old would have their chassis resting directly on the tires.

 

[DAVE_M]

BUT! BUT! BUT!... The high speed low drag range officer at Honey Island told me he doesn't keep his mags loaded, because it kills the springs!

I think he's a member here. If he is, I apologize if I hurt your feelings, but you're wrong.