is it okay to keep the tube mag loaded to the max?

Armory » Shotguns

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - is it okay to keep the tube mag loaded to the max?

Posted: 5/30/2003 5:48:35 PM EDT

i've got a mossberg 590 and the tube mag holds 8 rounds of 2 3/4". will keeping it loaded to capacity wear out the spring?

Posted: 5/30/2003 5:50:00 PM EDT

[#1]

It's OK! Like any spring, prolonged compression is not the source of wear.

Posted: 5/30/2003 8:28:43 PM EDT

[#2]

The real look-out on loaded shotgun mag tubes is shot shell compression.

Plastic shotgun shells left long term in the tube tend to compress, and develop bulges between the case head and the shot column. This can cause jams.

You can lessen the problem by using good-quality American shells like Remington, and by downloading the mag a round or two.

The best method however, is to shoot up the ammo thats in the mag every month, and replace with fresh shells.

Posted: 5/30/2003 8:32:06 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
It's OK! Like any spring, prolonged compression is not the source of wear.

Actually there are two kinds of wear on springs, one kind is from expanding and contracting and another is from being constantly compressed as it starts to maintain that shape so being compressed can wear out springs if I understand it correctly. Actually I have a shotgun that had a spring wear out from being constantly loaded. The last two shells eventually ejected weakly. However a new spring is only $ 7 so just buy a spare from Brownells' if you are worried and check it once ever 6 months.

Posted: 5/30/2003 8:44:13 PM EDT

[#4]

Buy spares (I recommend Wolfe) and rotate them out every 3-6 months, and dont give it a 2nd thought.

Posted: 5/30/2003 11:21:25 PM EDT

[#5]

thanks guys. as always, this site and its members prove once again to be a wellspring of information and help. much obliged.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - is it okay to keep the tube mag loaded to the max?

Armory » Shotguns

Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us