Magazine loading and storage for SHTF

[pk64f100]

I keep a belt, vest and all my grab & go mags for BR (SCAR 17S) & 1911 full ready to bug-out if need be. I keep the magazines loaded and one in the firearm loaded so there is no time to be ready when need be. Questions are this:
1. Is it an issue to keep mags loaded for storage in safe?
2. Is there any issue keeping rounds in mag & firearm ready to go/
3. HD shotgun- is it an issue to keep magazine / tube loaded with shells?
4. Does this have a negative impact on the springs and mechanisms of the mags and or the firearm?

Thanks

 

[BradMacc82]

It takes you to the Search feature.

Storing the mags loaded isn't an issue, it's the compression/decompression cycle that wears the springs out.

Although it can be said loading to -1 is the way to go, makes it easier to load on closed actions.

 

[straightsilver3]

To answer all your questions NO issues with keeping them loaded It's the constant loading and unloading that make the springs weak. I've had mags loaded for years with no issues I just down load them a few rounds so they're not maxed out

 

[clandestine]

As said, no issues keeping Mags loaded, ASSUMING you are using a QUALITY STEEL or ALUMINUM Body Magazine.

If you are using a Polymer Magazine like a PMAG the Feed Lips can widen over time, so be sure to use the "Dust Cover". Widened Feel Lips can lead to double feeds.

Personally I keep ALL of my magazines loaded for every firearm I own. I download them all by 2 rounds. Its not done because of some irrational fear of wearing out a spring, its done to allow easier seating of a magazine with a firearm with the Slide/Bolt when its closed (Admin or Tactical Reload)

 

[pk64f100]

Thanks Everyone!

Thanks for your time and info, it is much apreciated. Somer may think I am paranoid, I like to think that I am prepared for whatever takes place. When things happen they usually happen very quickly the less things one has to grab the better.

thanks again and have a great day!

 

[sailskidrive]

The SCAR mags are steel and are really well made, I doubt you would experience any issues with the feed lips spreading. I personally had a LR308 mag that I stored loaded for about a year without the cover and the lips opened up.

 

[BradMacc82]

Heh, I left 2 Pmag's loaded with 10 rounds of .50Beo over night, it spread like butter. The other spread as well with the cover on it.

Had to literally rip the one out of the magwell.

Lesson learned, don't leave Pmag's loaded with the Beo rounds in them, dust cover on or not.

 

[Capt Skup]

Just be sure to use quality magazines. I have found out that ProMags are not ones that I will leave loaded. Have had no issues with Ruger factory mags for the mini-14s or the MagPuls for the ARs.

 

[sailskidrive]

God was punishing you for using an obscure cartridge in an AR.

Heh, I left 2 Pmag's loaded with 10 rounds of .50Beo over night, it spread like butter. The other spread as well with the cover on it.

Had to literally rip the one out of the magwell.

Lesson learned, don't leave Pmag's loaded with the Beo rounds in them, dust cover on or not.

 

[BradMacc82]

God was punishing you for using an obscure cartridge in an AR.

Possibly, but it's a fun obscure cartridge.

 

[SCARCQB]

for ARs... I keep the mags loaded with 27 rounds, use only mil spec aluminum mags , good factory loaded ammo. i store them in a climate controlled site.. Like in my bedroom closet.

My gLock mags.... i keep them fully loaded, I also rotate defensive ammo annually.

No issues..... I found a 17 year old fully loaded mag in my old Army Footlocker.. AK mag, it fed reliably. No issues. Did have an old HK USP mag that I misplaced for years... That failed to lock the slide back after the last round. Replaced the spring and its good as new

I m old school and do not use Pmags as much.

 

[armed ferret]

no you're just old.

 

[clandestine]

I know I wont convince anyone, but for the sake of exchanging information, I believe from experience, that MUCH of the AR15/M16's rap for bad reliability is because of USGI Magazines, and Improper/Poor Maintenance. The Latter applies to not just the Weapon itself but the Magazines as well.

Magazines are a Perishable item.

 

[rj1974]

Magazines are a Perishable item.

Especially in Colorado










Sorry I couldn't help myself .

 

[SCARCQB]

no you're just old.

True

 

[jrumann59]

I know I wont convince anyone, but for the sake of exchanging information, I believe from experience, that MUCH of the AR15/M16's rap for bad reliability is because of USGI Magazines, and Improper/Poor Maintenance. The Latter applies to not just the Weapon itself but the Magazines as well.

Magazines are a Perishable item.

I spray the inside of all my mags with silicon spray and work the spring up and down to "absorb" the silicon. The only AR mags I keep loaded are P-Mags with dust covers. I also use my mags at least once before I decide the duty it gets. Many of IMI mags are range mags since some do not drop free on empty

 

[armed ferret]

silicon or silicone?

silicone is a lubricant.

silicon is basically sand.

if you're spraying the insides of your magazines with sand to increase reliability, you need to shop for mags somewhere else.

 

[Semper Noctem]

Not only that, but I was under the impression that you want to keep your mags somewhat free of oil because the oil can seep into the cartridge and ruin the powder.

Am I wrong?

 

[jrumann59]

silicon or silicone?

silicone is a lubricant.

silicon is basically sand.

if you're spraying the insides of your magazines with sand to increase reliability, you need to shop for mags somewhere else.

HAHA

Yeah silicone

 

[jrumann59]

Not only that, but I was under the impression that you want to keep your mags somewhat free of oil because the oil can seep into the cartridge and ruin the powder.

Am I wrong?

Silicone is a dry lubricant, it sprays in wet and then dries and leaves a lubricating film on the parts.