Is It Bad to Store Magazines Fully Loaded?

In case you’ve spent any time round gun house owners, you’ve in all probability heard the controversy: Do you have to retailer your magazines totally loaded, or will it put on out the springs?

Some shooters insist that leaving magazines loaded for lengthy intervals will weaken the spring, whereas others argue that it’s utterly wonderful.

So, what’s the actual reply? Let’s settle this as soon as and for all.

Will Storing Magazines Loaded Put on Out the Springs?

No, storing magazines totally loaded won’t break them.

The concept holding {a magazine} loaded will “put on out” the spring is a standard false impression. The true put on and tear on journal springs come from biking—loading and unloading rounds repeatedly. Springs in high quality magazines are designed to remain underneath pressure for prolonged intervals with out shedding their energy.

Give it some thought like this: your automotive’s suspension is consistently underneath pressure when it’s parked. Does that break the springs? Nope. However in the event you drive over tough terrain and continuously compress and decompress them, they’ll put on out over time.

The identical logic applies to journal springs. Load your mags and retailer them with out fear.

What Truly Causes Magazines to Fail?

If leaving magazines loaded isn’t the issue, then what really does trigger them to fail? Listed here are the actual culprits:

Fixed loading and unloading: This repeated motion fatigues the spring over time. Poor-quality springs: Cheaply made springs can lose pressure quicker, so at all times follow dependable producers. Corrosion and rust: Storing magazines in humid or salty environments with out correct upkeep can result in rust, which might have an effect on feeding and performance. Polymer feed lip deformation: Some all-polymer magazines can expertise feed lip creep underneath long-term stress, although high quality manufacturers design in opposition to this challenge.

Former Marine Recon Sniper and mechanical engineer Chet Peters weighs in on the subject:

That settles it. If a mechanical engineer who’s additionally a former Recon Sniper says it’s wonderful, it’s wonderful, or is it?

Metallic vs. Polymer Magazines: Which Are Higher for Lengthy-Time period Storage?

Not all magazines are created equal, and the fabric used for the feed lips can impression long-term sturdiness.

So, what do you have to do? In case you’re involved about feed lip creep in polymer mags, you should utilize mud covers (like those Magpul consists of) to scale back stress. Nonetheless, many shooters have saved PMAGs totally loaded for years with no points, myself included.

Find out how to Retailer Loaded Magazines the Proper Method

In case you’re storing loaded mags, you wish to guarantee they’re shielded from moisture within the air. Right here’s learn how to do it proper:

Use Ammo Cans for Journal Storage

Navy-style steel ammo cans are a superb alternative for holding loaded mags secure. They seal effectively, are stackable, and will be simply secured.

For many who want a lighter choice, MTM makes devoted journal storage instances with foam inserts to maintain mags organized and upright.

Management Humidity to Stop Corrosion

Humidity is the enemy of steel springs and magazine our bodies. In case you’re storing your mags in a gun secure or storage locker, throw in a dehumidifier.

Holding moisture underneath management will guarantee your mags, particularly the old-school steel mags, are round for the lengthy haul, whether or not loaded or not.

Frequently Rotate and Test Your Mags

Although leaving magazines loaded isn’t an issue, it’s nonetheless a superb behavior to examine them periodically. Each few months do a fast examine:

Guarantee springs are nonetheless functioning correctly. Search for rust, dust, or particles contained in the magazine physique. Wipe down steel mags with a light-weight coat of oil if wanted.

Ultimate Verdict: Ought to You Retailer Your Magazines Loaded?

Sure. Completely.

High quality magazines are constructed to deal with the stress of being saved loaded. Repeated use—loading, unloading, and firing—causes put on, not static pressure.

So go forward, load them up, and retailer them. Make sure you’re utilizing high quality mags, holding them dry, and inspecting them sometimes. Once you want them, they’ll be prepared.