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Posted: 3/23/2022 12:15:12 PM EDT
[#1]
My understanding has always been that "working" springs weakens them over time. Leaving them compressed does not.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 12:35:22 PM EDT
[#2]
You can leave them loaded forever basically. It's the cycling of the spring that wears it out, not being left loaded.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 12:37:50 PM EDT
[#3]
Until the point that you’re worried about primer or propellant degradation, which with modern ammo is a long long time.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 4:34:34 PM EDT
[#4]
Inspect your feed lips. They could crack over time.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 6:28:06 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Inspect your feed lips. They could crack over time. This is the only issue with long term loaded pmags. Some people put pmag covers on them. |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 6:57:55 PM EDT
[#6]
I know that they'll make the 10 year mark.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 7:10:38 PM EDT
[#7]
Load em up and forget em til you need em, however long that may be. They’ll be fine.
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Posted: 3/23/2022 7:20:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is the only issue with long term loaded pmags. Some people put pmag covers on them. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Inspect your feed lips. They could crack over time. This is the only issue with long term loaded pmags. Some people put pmag covers on them. |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 7:49:17 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is the only issue with long term loaded pmags. Some people put pmag covers on them. Do the covers prevent the feed lip problem? |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 7:53:44 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Do the covers prevent the feed lip problem? |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 7:59:08 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Gen 3 Pmags for the win. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Inspect your feed lips. They could crack over time. This is the only issue with long term loaded pmags. Some people put pmag covers on them. I assume you say gen3 ftw, is there a design change or did they include the cover? |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 8:24:54 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I assume you say gen3 ftw, is there a design change or did they include the cover? |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 8:39:54 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's my understanding there were slight changes to improve function in additional platforms. Gen 3 magazines are compatible with several weapons to include the Marine Corps M27 IAR, the SCAR 16S, the HK 416, the Brit’s SA-80, and more. In weapons like the SCAR 16S using a Gen 2 P-Mag the bolt catch is pressed slightly too high and is struck by your bolt, which results in damage to both the bolt and bolt catch. The Gen 3 magazines corrected this. USMC once issued a ban on PMAGs when issues were discovered with compatibility with the M-27 IAR, ban was lifted for the M3 PMAGs. |
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Posted: 3/23/2022 9:26:21 PM EDT
[#14]
From vetted companies like Magpul and Okay that are new to you with a known cycling usage? Probably outlive us all really.
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Posted: 3/24/2022 9:11:09 PM EDT
[#15]
My pmags have been loaded for 5 years-ish, with covers, or loaded in rifles with a closed bolt.
Out of curiosity, a few months ago I went through each magazine to see if there was any cracking, swelling, etc. I also fit-tested them in each rifle, loaded and empty to make sure they engaged the bolt catch, dropped free, etc. They were as good as new. |
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Posted: 3/26/2022 10:02:55 AM EDT
[#16]
Quality, well respected mags will last a loooong time fully loaded.
I have a USA made Thermold that I stumbled onto that had been fully loaded for about 20yrs... it functioned 100%. I loaded it back up and threw it back into the container... 20yrs from now I will stumble across it again. |
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Posted: 3/26/2022 8:53:51 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I know that they'll make the 10 year mark. As do I.... 1 thing you do need to be careful about though are the feedlips. Some GI mags could bend, & some Pmags could crack down the spine. Both have happened to me. Magpul replaced the mags. I use the cover on the Pmags now. |
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Posted: 3/27/2022 4:04:01 PM EDT
[#18]
I've got 3 windowed PMAGs that've been loaded for a decade with no issues. Only time I've had a PMAG split was an FDE M2 that had a ton of mileage on it; same vintage black M2's are running without issue.
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Posted: 3/29/2022 9:02:36 AM EDT
[#19]
The covers for the Gen3 mags press the rounds down just enough to relieve the pressure off the lips. I called and talked to The company about it and the insured me it is just a dust/debris precaution. Looks to me like it pushes the round down away from the lips.
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Posted: 3/30/2022 11:53:29 AM EDT
[#20]
Metal mags, near indefinitely.
Polymer mags w/o metal reinforced lips or "storage caps", don't leave them loaded |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 9:02:00 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My understanding has always been that "working" springs weakens them over time. Leaving them compressed does not. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 9:18:17 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Metal mags, near indefinitely. Polymer mags w/o metal reinforced lips or "storage caps", don't leave them loaded So are PMAGs metal reinforced? |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 9:34:11 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So are PMAGs metal reinforced? Not 5.56/.223. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 9:53:33 AM EDT
[#24]
I get you, so they have a limited shelflife loaded correct?
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:12:55 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I get you, so they have a limited shelflife loaded correct? I've gone a bit past the 10 yr mark/fully loaded/no dust covers with M2s. Zero issues in my limited experience. ETA: *Thus far. 
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:15:38 AM EDT
[#26]
Do the dust covers fit the Gen 2?
Now you got me paranoid.. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:33:27 AM EDT
[#27]
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:37:46 AM EDT
[#28]
Sorry to all and my fault I did not read the entire thread my answer would have been complete before I even asked it.
Again, my apologies however very useful thread and thank you for the information. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:43:14 AM EDT
[#29]
Realistically, they will still be fine when they get sold at your estate sale.
"Antique, loaded magazine $2" |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 10:45:24 AM EDT
[#30]
I've never really felt like loading mags on demand is that much of a burden or time sink. That, and i have a broad spectrum of ammo for diferent purposes. I just keep them empty and load them up for purpose when its time - its not that big of a deal.
I keep one mag loaded with performance ammo, and that's it. As to does it matter if they are kept loaded long term. We'll, there's the college text-book modulous of elasticity explanation. And there is the real world of strain induced corrosion and plastic creep under stress. That said mags are cheap, and I know plenty of people who keep them loaded for years with no issue. Heck. I have yet to actually wear out and dispose of a PMag. So "can you", with the dust cover - sure. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 5:33:51 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Do the dust covers fit the Gen 2? Now you got me paranoid.. They do and they don’t. They’re a little bit different from M2 to M3. They’ll do their job of taking tension off the feed lips but they fit like shit if they’re not the same generation. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 6:30:50 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They do and they don’t. They’re a little bit different from M2 to M3. They’ll do their job of taking tension off the feed lips but they fit like shit if they’re not the same generation. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Do the dust covers fit the Gen 2? Now you got me paranoid.. They do and they don’t. They’re a little bit different from M2 to M3. They’ll do their job of taking tension off the feed lips but they fit like shit if they’re not the same generation. @Cooper1 I may have misunderstood your post  If you were asking whether covers are available for the M2s, see the link posted above. If you meant to ask about compatibility...see post above. Also, per Magpul regarding the M2 dust covers: This cover will likewise fit the new PMAG GEN M3 but, being it is of a slightly different design, will not adequately seal a GEN M3 magazine against debris intrusion. |
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Posted: 4/15/2022 6:45:41 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @Cooper1 I may have misunderstood your post If you were asking whether covers are available for the M2s, see the link posted above. If you meant to ask about compatibility...see post above. Also, per Magpul regarding the M2 dust covers: This cover will likewise fit the new PMAG GEN M3 but, being it is of a slightly different design, will not adequately seal a GEN M3 magazine against debris intrusion. Thanks. I ordered a bunch from PSA. Mine have sat loaded for about 2 years. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 9:37:24 AM EDT
[#34]
I had several Pmags and USGIs loaded for 10+ years. Took them out a couple months ago and they functioned perfectly. Loaded them back up and stashed them for next time.
The Pmags did have dust covers. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 9:38:39 AM EDT
[#35]
I think I’m going to order some of the Gen 2 dust covers for my GEN two ones just to be safe.
Unfortunately, Amazon seems to be sold out not sure if anyone has a line on them at a good price? free shipping is always nice :-) |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 10:15:55 AM EDT
[#36]
I have several 30 rd GI mags loaded w 855 and 193 since around 2005, stored in a non climate controlled frame addition to my house.
I plan to try them out soon, and will report back. I bet they will work fine. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 10:39:13 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think I’m going to order some of the Gen 2 dust covers for my GEN two ones just to be safe. Unfortunately, Amazon seems to be sold out not sure if anyone has a line on them at a good price? free shipping is always nice :-) |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 10:42:42 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think I’m going to order some of the Gen 2 dust covers for my GEN two ones just to be safe. Unfortunately, Amazon seems to be sold out not sure if anyone has a line on them at a good price? free shipping is always nice :-) Available quite a few places. As for free ship...that may ne a different story. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 4:12:12 PM EDT
[#39]
I need to find some spare feed lip covers for some 5.56 and .308 Pmags. Found some of both used without the covers.
I have some 5.56 Pmags that were loaded close to 6 years when I finally fired them to refill them . Worked like they were brand new. |
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Posted: 4/16/2022 4:15:23 PM EDT
[#40]
Amazon has 6 packs for $10.30 right now. These are the 5.56 covers
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Posted: 4/16/2022 6:17:03 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryBought some, thank you! |
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