The subject pretty much says it all.
I was also wondering whether there was an easy way to ease up the strength of the spring. I got a set of 10 round mags that it is an absolute P.I.T.F.A. to load. (my thoughts were perhaps compressing the springs would make it a little less easier to load once I got to the range).
This is in regards to my SW 39 9mm.
Thanks.

A good spring won't weaken much over time...but a good spring looks just like a poor one (mostly a matter of heat treatment, wich won't leave any viuual clues) , and only time will tell. HAve left magazines loaded for over a year with no trouble...have ahd others start to fail to activate the slides stop or feed the last round after a much shorter time loaded.

Better to have at least one more magazine than you keep loaded...cycle them so that they all get a rest period. After all, you'll still have to periodically clean,relube, change out ammo from the gun even if you don't fire it...little enough trouble to switch off magazines at the same time.

May be able to get replacement springs...usually a lot cheaper than replacement mags....and a spring change to a non-dmamaged mag will usually reincarnate.

Hey Guys,

I've got a Colt Combat Commander that I carry. The original magazine has been loaded almost continuously since I bought the pistol back in the mid '70's. When I go to the range, I unload the magazine, reload it with practice ammo, shoot 50-100 rounds, then reload the magazine with my "flying saucer" carry ammo, insert the mag in the pistol, and put it back in my holster.......never a problem.

Lobo in West Virginia

Leaving a magazine loaded doesn't nessecarily hurt the spring. Loading and unloading it (extending and distending) is what does damage to a spring.

Leaving a magazine loaded doesn't nessecarily hurt the spring. Loading and unloading it (extending and distending) is what does damage to a spring.

I agree -- it's the constant flexing that weakens metal the fastest. Good-quality magazines can tolerate staying loaded for a very long time, weaker ones are sometimes lucky to last a year or two. Best thing to do, keep your mags clean, and when cleaning doesn't help anymore, replace them.

While there have been stories and articles about mags left loaded for 50+ years that functioned fine, some mag springs will take a set over time. In addition, we know a lot more about metallurgy than we used to, so the newer springs are better than ever. Do all manufacturers use the best springs? I kinda doubt it....and the old adage that you get what you pay for applies here. Buy the best you can find, rotate your mags with your ammo, and you should be fine. But if a mag starts giving you problems, either pitch it or relegate it to practice use only. And don't forget to mark your mags, so you can identify them properly!

PJ