Should You Store Your Magazines Loaded?

Published on March 5, 2024
Duration: 4:34

This video debunks the myth that storing loaded magazines degrades their springs. The instructor demonstrates using 10+ year old 5.56 magazines, some stored loaded continuously, and performs full mag dumps without issue. The testing suggests that prolonged spring compression does not significantly harm magazine functionality, even with older models and various magazine types like PMAGs and Lancers.

Quick Summary

Storing loaded magazines for extended periods, even over a decade, does not appear to negatively impact their functionality or spring performance. CMMG tested 10+ year old 5.56 magazines, including PMAGs and Lancers, and found they performed reliably during full mag dumps, debunking the myth of spring degradation from constant compression.

Chapters

  1. 00:04Introduction: MythBusters CMMG Style
  2. 00:11The Myth: Storing Loaded Magazines
  3. 00:29Magazine Collection for Testing
  4. 01:00Examining Old PMAGs (2012)
  5. 02:00Dust Cover Impact on Magazines
  6. 02:36Preparing for Range Test
  7. 02:51Range Test: Magazine 1 (Dust Cover On)
  8. 03:44Range Test: Magazine 2 (Dust Cover Off)
  9. 04:25Conclusion: Keep Magazines Loaded

Frequently Asked Questions

Does storing loaded magazines damage the spring?

According to CMMG's testing, storing loaded magazines for over 10 years did not result in noticeable degradation of spring performance or magazine reliability. The video suggests that the common belief about spring damage from constant compression may be overstated.

What types of magazines were tested for loaded storage?

The video tested a collection of 5.56 magazines, including older generation PMAGs (manufactured around 2012), Lancer magazines, and magazines loaded with 5.56 green tip ammunition. All performed reliably after prolonged loaded storage.

Does the dust cover on a PMAG affect magazine performance when stored loaded?

The video suggests that a properly seated dust cover on a PMAG can help by pressing the rounds down further, potentially reducing stress on the feed lips. However, even a magazine with a loose dust cover performed reliably in the test.

How long were the magazines stored loaded for the test?

The magazines used in the test were stored loaded for a minimum of 7 years, with some estimated to be at least 10-14 years old. They were then subjected to full magazine dumps to assess functionality.

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