Introduction
Many gun owners and enthusiasts have debated whether keeping a magazine loaded affects the spring's durability. Is it necessary to unload the magazine periodically, or can it be kept loaded without causing any damage?
Understanding the Impact on the Spring
The primary concern is whether the spring in a loaded magazine can weaken over time due to continuous compression. Experts and experienced gun owners have weighed in on this topic, providing insights based on materials, design, and usage.
Modern Firearms and Steels
Modern firearms are made from higher quality steel alloys. According to several experts, these materials are capable of resisting wear and tear, even when a magazine is kept loaded. As one expert states:
No. It probably did 100 years ago but modern steels in a magazine won't weaken sitting in your lifetime.
Modern materials are designed to withstand the stresses of constant compression, making the issue less significant compared to older firearms.
Quality Springs and Car Suspension
Another argument centers on the durability of quality springs. Car springs provide a useful analogy here. Car suspensions must support the vehicle's weight for extended periods, yet they do not weaken from constant compression. Similarly, the spring in a loaded magazine is designed to handle the weight of the cartridges, and there is no evidence that it deteriorates over time:
No. Your car springs don't weaken from your car sitting on them and a magazine spring doesn't weaken from being kept loaded.
This analogy shows that quality springs, when designed and manufactured for high-stress environments, can withstand continuous compression without failing.
Advancements in Manufacturing
Recent advancements in manufacturing technology have further reinforced the argument that modern springs can handle the demands of continuous exposure. Some experts claim that modern materials and designs have significantly improved the longevity of gun springs:
No. Not anymore with the advances they have made they claim but Im still stuck in my ways 28 out of 30 just in case just fired and reloaded couple mags that I loaded and sealed in the 80s no problem.
However, practical experiences and anecdotal evidence also provide supporting arguments. Some gun owners still prefer to fire and re-load magazines to ensure optimal performance, even though there is no scientific proof that this is necessary.
The Role of Regular Maintenance
While the spring itself may not weaken from being loaded, regular maintenance is still crucial to ensure the overall functionality and reliability of the firearm:
Regular cleaning and lubrication help prevent wear and tear on other components.
Proper storage of magazines can prevent rust and other environmental damage.
Periodic inspection and replacement of critical parts can extend the lifespan of the firearm.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that a gun remains in optimal working condition, regardless of whether the magazines are loaded or not.
Conclusion
Based on the consensus among experts and experienced users, modern gun springs are highly durable and can withstand the stresses of being loaded and unloaded. However, maintaining proper storage and performing regular maintenance remains critical for the longevity of the firearm:
Not as much as loading and unloading. And yeah, keeping it loaded does weaken very very very very slowly over time. Like it would take decades for it to malfunction because of spring weakness.
While there is no definitive proof that keeping a magazine loaded will cause significant damage, the common practice of firing and re-loading can be seen as a precautionary measure to ensure the optimal condition of the firearm and its components.