Quick Tip: Is It OK to Store Magazines Loaded?

Published on February 4, 2020
Duration: 1:33

Instruction from Caleb at Brownells addresses the common question of whether it's safe to store firearm magazines loaded. Modern, high-quality springs, such as those found in AR-15, AK-47, and handgun magazines, are designed to withstand long-term loaded storage without significant degradation. Spring wear is primarily caused by the cycling of the firearm rather than static compression. However, users should be cautious with inexpensive or poorly manufactured magazines, as their springs may be more susceptible to failure under prolonged loaded storage.

Quick Summary

Modern, high-quality firearm magazines are designed to be stored loaded without significant spring degradation. Spring wear is primarily caused by the cycle of compression and decompression during use, not static compression. While inexpensive magazines may be an exception, reputable brands ensure reliability even after long-term loaded storage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Magazine Storage Debate
  2. 00:12Modern Spring Quality Explained
  3. 00:29How Magazine Springs Actually Wear
  4. 00:43When Loaded Storage Might Be Risky
  5. 01:00Historical Evidence of Reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to store my firearm magazines loaded long-term?

Yes, for modern, high-quality magazines (like those for AR-15, AK-47, and handguns), it is generally safe. Their springs are tempered to withstand static compression without significant degradation. Spring wear primarily occurs from repeated use (cycling).

Will storing magazines loaded damage the springs?

For most modern, well-manufactured magazines, long-term loaded storage will not significantly damage the springs. The springs are designed to handle this. However, very inexpensive or poorly made magazines might be an exception.

What causes magazine springs to wear out?

Magazine springs primarily wear out from the repeated action of being compressed and released each time the magazine is loaded, unloaded, or fired. Static compression from long-term loaded storage has a much lesser impact on quality springs.

Are there any exceptions to storing magazines loaded?

Yes, inexpensive or poorly manufactured magazines might have lower-quality springs that could potentially weaken over time when stored fully loaded. It's always best to use reputable brands known for quality.

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