Keeping Mags Loaded: Good or Bad?

[Al-Mumit]

For a long time I was taught that keeping mags loaded ruins the springs. Constantly being compressed is bad for them, so I was told. Sounded reasonable, so I didn't keep them loaded for more than a couple weeks at a time. Always switched the 'ready' mag for my AK, once a month, religiously.

Than I had a conversation with someone who had experience with both guns and metal working. This person told me that being compressed doesn't actually harm springs, its the constant use of the spring that weakens it. The changing of the mags, in all reality, was actually wearing the mags out faster than they otherwise would wear through normal use. A bit of research told me that some folks keep mags loaded for years without problems, and even some mags that stayed loaded for decades held out (better than the enclosed ammunition in some cases).

Still though, I run into many a gun owner that clings to the belief that keeping them loaded does more harm than good. So which is it? As many people as I've talked to about it, I still don't have a positive answer...

[ScaredOnce]

Originally Posted by Al-Mumit

This person told me that being compressed doesn't actually harm springs, its the constant use of the spring that weakens it.

This is true. This has been discussed a million times before. Try the forum's search function. This link may also be helpful: http://www.google.com/search?q=will+keeping+mags+loaded+weaken+spring&ie =utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a

[Al-Mumit]

Search function? That's way too convenient! Thanks!

[TimtheDestroy]

keep the full is what i have found. i think i saw that same decade+ source, as well as its the nature of springs not just the ones in magazines. also if a hoard of zombies tries to attack you need to be ready, they want your brain and won't wait while you load your mags.

[God's Country]

Loaded mags good.

Empty mags useless.

[Strapped]

Originally Posted by God's Country

Loaded mags good.

Empty mags useless.

EmptyMag might take offense to that!

[Pa. Patriot]

Originally Posted by Strapped

EmptyMag might take offense to that!

LOL - Thanks ... I REALLY needed that today

[God's Country]

Originally Posted by Strapped

EmptyMag might take offense to that!

Thanks for ruining the best joke I've had in a year.

[justashooter]

marines carry 8 mags in the standard loadout. not much chance you'd live long enough to go thu that many in a firefight. if 30 rounds won't end it, you gonna die anyway.

[Strapped]

Originally Posted by Pa. Patriot

LOL - Thanks ... I REALLY needed that today

Glad I could help! Keep your head up bro...

Originally Posted by God's Country

Thanks for ruining the best joke I've had in a year.

Thats what I do

Originally Posted by justashooter

marines carry 8 mags in the standard loadout. not much chance you'd live long enough to go thu that many in a firefight. [if 30 rounds won't end it, you gonna die anyway.

Not true, not true at all.. I've been in a couple tradeoffs that I fired a hell of alot more than 30rds and I'm still here.
The more you carry the better.