Storing loaded magazines

[serpentine]

Is it OK to keep magazines loaded and stored for an extended period of time. For instance, a nightstand gun? If it stays in the nightstand for over a year, will the springs wear abnormally? Just curious. Thanks.

[PAOhio]

Springs wear from use, not compression (mostly). Where the mag might show problems is with feed lip spread, but most modern handgun mags should be good for quite a while.

[EvoRich]

I've had Glock mags that are loaded 100% of the time. I may unload my SD ammo out, go to the range and shoot, and then reload them and they stay loaded between range trips for the past few years. They all still function.

Keeping mags loaded will not wear the spring. However, If you keep a mag loaded for 30-40 years or so, if you remove it and compare it to a new spring, you'll notice it will be shorter. It may still function though.

I've heard of people taking 1911 mags that have been loaded since WWII (again, I heard this) and putting them in a 1911 and they function perfectly.

[streaker69]

I've heard of people taking 1911 mags that have been loaded since WWII (again, I heard this) and putting them in a 1911 and they function perfectly.

That's only because 1911's are magical.

[GonzoGeezer]

Based on other threads on this, and other forums I've read, you are going to end up with an equal number of 'yes, it will hurt the springs' and ' no, it won't hurt the springs.' I'm in the no it won't camp only because of being persuaded by other posters. The longest I personally have had magazines loaded so far is some AR mags for maybe a year. They are good mags, mostly PMAG and some of those 20-round zytel mags that were being sold last year. I'll dig one out and cycle it through the gun, see what happens. If it's hosed up I'll report back.

[Mad Scientist]

Your car has springs in the suspension.

Do you jack your car when you park it and leave your suspension hanging so the springs are not compresses? Has your suspension worn out yet?

As one datum: My 40-yearl-old car with ~250k miles on it is still on its original springs.

[serpentine]

Thanks. For the replies. Quick and easy.

[harold63]

Astra A80 9mm 15 rds: single mag loaded for over twenty five years... still works perfectly.

Astra Firecat .25 single mag loaded for over twenty five years...same as above.

Bushmaster M4A3 W/fac mags (6 of them) loaded for over 6 years... all ok.

Taurus PT 92 W/4 fac mags, loaded for 5 years...all ok.

HK USP E with 2 fac mags loaded full (12 per) and they function perfectly.

Taurus PT 1911 (got 6 of them, 1 being a 9mm). Two of these were built in '07 and the mags have stayed stuffed since new. They function, fine.

When you got a problem with your gun, look at the mag spring, later.

[rifleshooter2]

The longest I personally have had magazines loaded so far is some AR mags for maybe a year. They are good mags, mostly PMAG and some of those 20-round zytel mags that were being sold last year.

I have personnally seen 20 round M16 Mags that were left loaded for 15 years, they still functioned perfectally in fact a have a few of them and still used them they must be 40 years old. However your mileage may vary.

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

You can leave a magazine loaded for an extended period of time with no problems. Just compression of the spring has no effect on the mag.