loaded mag question

[M4rk]

if you have bullets loaded in the mag and its been sitting for a while.. will it mess up the spring tension?? in other words, is it bad for the mag if it stays loaded for a long time?

[asmurff]

No, long term compressed springs last forever. Springs fail from movement. i.e. compressing them during loading, then unloading them at the range or when you get home. Loaded and stored magazines should last indefinitely without degradation.

[M4rk]

koo man, thanx

[Tal]

I've wondered about that as well, but I figure the firing pin, and slide springs last a hell of a long time under tension, so I just figured mag springs would as well..

[techmike]

I just watched a Military channel piece that detailed that during Vietnam, grunts would only load 16 rounds into their 20 round M-16 mags, because otherwise the springs took a set and the mags would malf during combat. I have never had a problem with long term loaded mags, pistol or rifle. I have two Colt/Umarex 30 rounders that have been fully loaded for close two years - next time I hit the range I will take them and see what happens.

[rodent.22]

I have some .45 auto magazines I've kept loaded for the last 15 years, no problem...

[M4rk]

I just watched a Military channel piece that detailed that during Vietnam, grunts would only load 16 rounds into their 20 round M-16 mags, because otherwise the springs took a set and the mags would malf during combat. I have never had a problem with long term loaded mags, pistol or rifle. I have two Colt/Umarex 30 rounders that have been fully loaded for close two years - next time I hit the range I will take them and see what happens.

wow 30 rounder.. damn cali! SMH.......