Makarov magazine question.
Are the 8 round Makarov magazines well made enough to leave loaded for a long time, months or years, and still function properly?
I've got a Russian commercial two-tone IJ70-17A (IMEZ) (blue over nickel) that was pulled from storage to put back into use. Loaded three magazines yesterday. Might be a while before firing these rounds, or unloading and loading with fresh ammo, so I'm wondering if the Makarov magazines are like other magazines that can be left loaded a long time and still function properly. TIA for any response.
Looks like the pistol has two serial numbers, maybe a Russian serial on the barrel and an US serial on the frame.
Yes, they will be fine. It is not being loaded that weakens the springs, it is the compression and decompression of use that weakens them over time.
Thanks for the response. BTW, Shotgun News August 1, 2006, has an article on the Makarov titled "Makarov: Pipsqueak or Powerhouse?" by Peter G. Kokalis.
