Leaving magazines loaded is a common concern among firearm owners. There’s a long-standing debate about whether it damages the spring or affects the functionality of the magazine over time. To clear things up, let’s break down what really happens when you leave magazines loaded and whether it’s something you should be worried about.
What Actually Wears Out a Magazine?
First, it’s important to understand how a magazine works. Inside each magazine is a spring that compresses when loaded with ammunition. This spring is responsible for pushing the rounds up into the chamber when you fire your gun. Over time, repeated compression and decompression can wear out the spring, but that’s not the result of simply keeping it loaded—it’s the constant use that does it. The number of times you load and unload the magazine, rather than just leaving it loaded, has a bigger impact on the life of the spring.
Constant Compression vs. Wear-and-Tear
A big myth is that leaving a magazine loaded for long periods will ruin the spring, but the truth is that springs degrade from repeated cycles, not from staying compressed. In fact, springs are designed to handle compression for extended periods. It’s the action of loading and unloading—compressing and decompressing—that eventually leads to fatigue in the spring.
Does It Harm the Magazine to Stay Loaded?
In short, no. Leaving a magazine loaded does not harm the spring or the magazine itself. A fully loaded magazine is perfectly fine to keep stored for long durations without the risk of weakening the spring. However, there are a few things to be mindful of, especially when dealing with different types of magazines and materials.
Plastic vs. Metal Magazines
The type of magazine you use can affect how it holds up over time. Plastic or polymer magazines, for example, might be more susceptible to wear and tear around the feed lips—the part of the magazine that holds the top round in place—when kept loaded for extended periods. Some polymer magazines, like those from Magpul, come with dust covers that help protect the feed lips and prevent them from spreading out under pressure. For metal magazines or those with steel linings, this isn’t usually a concern.
How Often Should You Unload a Magazine?
While it’s fine to leave magazines loaded for extended periods, it’s still a good idea to occasionally unload them and inspect the magazine. Every few months, it’s worth taking the ammunition out to check for any dirt or debris that might have collected inside the mag, especially if it’s been stored in a pocket, bag, or vehicle. Compressed air works well to blow out dust and keep the magazine clean.
Maintaining Magazine Health
Even though you can leave a magazine loaded for a long time, it’s smart to rotate your magazines to avoid overuse of any single one. By alternating between different mags, you spread out the wear and tear, extending the life of each magazine’s spring. Additionally, cleaning and inspecting your magazines periodically can prevent malfunctions during critical moments.
Can You Extend the Life of a Weak Spring?
If you notice that a magazine spring is starting to feel weak, there’s a temporary fix that might give it a bit more life. You can remove the spring from the magazine and stretch it slightly before reinserting it. While this might buy you some time, it’s a sign that the spring is nearing the end of its useful life, and it’s probably time to replace it. Springs are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, so there’s no need to rely on quick fixes for too long.
The Role of the Magazine Spring
The spring inside the magazine is critical to the function of your firearm. Whether you’re using a semi-automatic pistol or a fully automatic rifle, the magazine spring ensures that the rounds are fed smoothly into the chamber. If the spring loses its strength, the gun may fail to cycle properly, leading to jams or misfeeds. Regularly checking the condition of your magazine and spring will help prevent these issues.
Magazines and Reliability Issues
In many cases, magazine-related malfunctions are the culprit when a firearm stops working correctly. If your gun suddenly starts jamming or failing to feed rounds, the magazine is often the first place to look. A fresh magazine with a strong spring can solve most reliability problems, especially in older firearms or those used frequently.
How Long Is Too Long?
While you can leave magazines loaded for an indefinite period, most experts recommend checking them every six months or so. There’s no hard rule about how long is too long, but regularly inspecting your gear is always a good habit. Keeping the magazines clean and the springs in good shape ensures that they’ll work when you need them.
Don’t Fear Loaded Magazines
The idea that leaving magazines loaded will ruin them is a myth that just doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Modern magazine springs are designed to withstand compression for long periods without losing their strength. As long as you clean and rotate your magazines, and replace springs when necessary, you can leave them loaded without worry.
It’s All About Maintenance
At the end of the day, leaving magazines loaded isn’t bad for your firearm or your magazines, as long as you maintain them properly. Check them every few months, keep them clean, and replace springs when they begin to wear out. With proper care, your magazines will stay reliable for years to come, ensuring that your firearm is always ready when you need it.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.