Leaving magazines loaded? (pistol)

[JordanJP]

Hi,

Was wondering what the general consensus on leaving magazines to my pistol loaded? I keep them loaded but I do unload them and leave them sit empty during the daytime at least 3x a week. Is it bad to leave them loaded? I've heard from some that it can weaken the spring(s) and heard from others that it shouldn't hurt that much.

[Happy in Wyoming]

It's fine to leave magazines with modern steel loaded for years. Compression has no adverse effect on the spring. The change in compression cause by loading and unloading a magazine is what wears the spring. Eventually it will wear out the spring.

[Mac_Muz]

You are wearing the spring by unloading... Just load them up maybe less 1 if you want and leave them that way. The wear comes from loading and unloading no matter how that is done. You could get some spare springs to have on hand.

[JordanJP]

Thanks guys That helps a lot. I guess I'll stop loading and unloading it during the week then.

[Mac_Muz]

That should reduce wear. Depending on mags I tend to leave 1 maybe 2 rnds out for long term storage in any mags I leave loaded. In my CC guns the mags in them are loaded up full and one is in the pipe. 1911 stuff.

[Shalako]

Don't worry about it. If they are quality mags, the springs are made to last under compression for many years and still function.

[Nor'Eastah]

I keep my "bedroom pistol" loaded and ready at all times, PLUS a second mag also loaded, just in case. The only time those mags get emptied is when I take the gun to the range for practice (which I believe in). No magazine failures so far, in about 8 years.

[joe from dayton]

I leave mine loaded as well.

[plain and simple]

I hate when magazines are loaded! All those perfume and cologne inserts drive my nose crazy!

Huh?

Oh, wrong forum. Sorry.

[Bulldogdad]

I am always "loaded" accoding to my wife.