keeping mags loaded?

[eldirector]

Cycling a spring "wears" it more than leaving it compressed (assuming it isn't over compressed). It is the flexing that eventually causes fatigue.

 

[mosinfan]

I keep 4-5 Glock mags loaded at all times in my daily carry bag and never had a problem.. They get emptied about once a month.

 

[You'll shoot your eye out]

I own an amt .380 backup. It was made way back when. It' springs are made of rubber instead of stainless steel. yes, if I leave a magazine loaded it will take a set. Its the same with the hammer spring too. Every now and then I compare the old ones with the new ones I have for spares. when one appears shorter I stretch it out to normal length. The steel must of been lousy back then because the frame is flaring out where it smacks the slide on recoil. I certainly hope that a higher quality gun would do better.

 

[Dwight D]

Some of my Glock mags stay loaded for years no problems so far. I have heard of guys keeping 13+ 45 acp mags by Para Ordinance having trouble after leaving them loaded for extended periods of time.

 

[GaDawg]

right or wrong i trade my mags out on the gun I'm carrying at any given time every month or so just the way i was taught like i said maybe right maybe wrong

 

[SSGSAD]

personally i have always kept my clips loaded, months....no probs.

knock on wood maybe...

YEARS, but I take 1 or 2 out, no one knows for sure .....

 

[JetGirl]

It is the constant compression/decompression of the spring that will wear it out.

 

[infiremedic07]

Metal fatigue occurs due motion not from remaining at rest. Unless of course it is allowed to rust at which point is wont matter if the spring steel is compressed or relaxed.

 

[Bruizer13]

My opinion is that I'd rather have it loaded and cause 1 misfeed, than to have to defend my home by awakening and trying to load 30 rounds by time my television is gone (or worse). Load them and if concerned keep extra springs handy!

 

[Tamara]

I did have an issue with the cheap ACT mags that came with my RIA 1911. They did not lost long. After initial range visits, everything was fine. Loaded up the mags but purchased 4 Wilson combat and 2 kimber mags. Loaded all them, did not shoot again for about 5 months.

The ACT mags both had FTF issues next time I used them. I've never had any problems with any other mags.

Most 8-round 1911 mags get that eighth round in by crushing the spring almost flat, well past its designed range. Wilson 47D's are notorious spring killers, too. If I'm leaving them loaded for any length of time, I'll only put seven in them.

 

[wxchick.h3]

When cleaning out a family members house we found a gun with a mag that was loaded for atleast 10 years and it still works fine so I don't think it will hurt them.