Posted: 3/13/2005 1:15:24 PM EDT
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With M-16/AR-15 mags it's the number of compression & release cycles that causes wear and loss of spring strength so load 'em and leave 'em. I may be completely mistaken but from reading this forum I get the impression that somehow pistol mag springs are different and should not be left loaded for extended periods. Can someone clarify this for me, please? |
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Seems like a materials course I had in engineering school talked about "creep" in metals. I would think metal springs would would loose compression strength over time under a constant load. High temps will affect creep. "Metal fatigue" occurs when repeditive motion or "load and release" happens many times. However, I do not know all the variables about the steel metal composition... get a PhD and some lab work to prove all the theories. I have heard the WWII mag stories. Get some more if you want new mags! They are cheap. |
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The old 1911 mags had a lot of free space under the follower when fully loaded to 7 rounds, lasting nearly forever in that condition. A lot of newer designs "stuff" more rounds in a smaller space, which works fine until fatigue sets in. This may eventually show up when the slide fails to lock open, or worse, a misfeed. "Downloading" a magazine a round or two, depending on capacity, certainly can't hurt, either when shooting or storing long term. With some cheap aftermarket magazines, the problem usually occurs much sooner. |