{"id":4757,"date":"2025-03-13T09:46:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:46:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=4757"},"modified":"2025-03-13T09:46:59","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:46:59","slug":"is-it-bad-to-store-magazines-fully-loaded","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsandpride.com\/?p=4757","title":{"rendered":"Is It Bad to Store Magazines Fully Loaded?"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019ve spent any time around gun owners, you\u2019ve probably heard the debate: Should you store your magazines fully loaded, or will it wear out the springs?<\/p>\n

Some shooters insist that leaving magazines loaded for long periods will weaken the spring, while others argue that it\u2019s completely fine.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s the real answer? Let\u2019s settle this once and for all.<\/p>\n

Will Storing Magazines Loaded Wear Out the Springs?<\/h2>\n

No, storing magazines fully loaded will not ruin them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The idea that keeping a magazine loaded will \u201cwear out\u201d the spring is a common misconception. The real wear and tear on magazine springs come from cycling\u2014loading and unloading rounds repeatedly. Springs in quality magazines are designed to stay under tension for extended periods without losing their strength.<\/p>\n

Think about it like this: your car\u2019s suspension is constantly under tension when it\u2019s parked. Does that ruin the springs? Nope. But if you drive over rough terrain and constantly compress and decompress them, they\u2019ll wear out over time.<\/p>\n

The same logic applies to magazine springs. Load your mags and store them without worry.<\/p>\n

What Actually Causes Magazines to Fail?<\/h2>\n

If leaving magazines loaded isn\u2019t the problem, then what actually does<\/strong> cause them to fail? Here are the real culprits:<\/p>\n

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  • Constant loading and unloading:<\/strong> This repeated action fatigues the spring over time.<\/li>\n
  • Poor-quality springs:<\/strong> Cheaply made springs can lose tension faster, so always stick to reliable manufacturers.<\/li>\n
  • Corrosion and rust:<\/strong> Storing magazines in humid or salty environments without proper maintenance can lead to rust, which can affect feeding and function.<\/li>\n
  • Polymer feed lip deformation:<\/strong> Some all-polymer magazines can experience feed lip creep under long-term pressure, though quality brands design against this issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Former Marine Recon Sniper and mechanical engineer Chet Peters weighs in on the topic:<\/p>\n

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    \u201cSpring steel is made of a very specific alloy called music wire, and it is designed to stay in a permanent state of stress. YES, you should leave your magazines loaded! The act of loading and unloading is actually worse for your magazine springs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n

    That settles it. If a mechanical engineer who\u2019s also a former Recon Sniper says it\u2019s fine, it\u2019s fine, or is it?<\/p>\n

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