Hi all,
I was wondering what folks thought about the possible loss of spring tension over time in your mag if you keep it full of ammo and your pistol if you keep the slide open. Does anyone using a cable lock drop the slide down on the cable or do you leave it fully open?
Thanks

Magazine springs and recoil springs are very different in size and design. Magazine springs should be okay to leave loaded, although occasional rotation with another magazine may be wise.

Some here lock the slide back on a new gun for exactly that reason: to weaken the spring. I suggest lowering the slide after installing the cable lock.

Welcome to SIGforum.

To add to above, a magazine spring doesn't typically lose tension by remaining loaded for extended periods. It's the constant loading and unloading that contributes to tension loss.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by az4783054:
To add to above, a magazine spring doesn't typically lose tension by remaining loaded for extended periods. It's the constant loading and unloading that contributes to tension loss.

That’s it.

As for “rotating” magazines, I don’t know any law enforcement officers who do that. They leave their magazines loaded 24/7/365 except for (possibly) when they qualify or train. If rotation were necessary, it would be a huge issue in law enforcement because I doubt that one percent of officers worry about it.

And I believe the constant loading and unloading issue is dependent upon the magazine, its manufacturer, etc. A long time ago I wore out the springs in some German-made 10-round P229 magazines. After replacing those springs I’ve had no more issues with them. I then switched my primary training guns to P226s chambered for 9mm and 357/40, and have three magazines that I use all the time for each. The 9mm magazines were made by Mec-Gar (Italy) and the 357/40 mags were made by Checkmate (US). Despite having been cycled countless times in the drills I regularly shoot, none of the springs in any of them exhibits any sign of losing their power.

1911 mags loaded during WW2 would only feed 3-4 rounds in 2008, I wouldn't worry about short time use. I just buy new mags for my "serious" guns every once in a while and put the older ones in the stockpile. Recoil springs get replaced when there is a noticeable difference to a fresh one.

Thanks again.
On my newer pistols I am not too worried as parts are readily available but my daily carry is a older Polish P-83 9x18. (shhhh), And I have two mags but who knows what will be available down the line. Guess if it came down to it I could find something close and steal the mag spring out of it.
thx

Wolff Springs has an FAQ on springs.

https://www.gunsprings.com/ind...p?page=FAQ#question5

"5. How often should I change magazine spring? Should I unload my magazines, rotate magazines, load with fewer than the maximum rounds?

Magazine springs in semi-auto pistols are one of the most critical springs and are the subject of much debate and concern. Magazines which are kept fully loaded for long periods of time, such as in law enforcement and personal/home defense applications, will generally be subject to more fatigue than the weekend shooter's magazine springs in which the magazines are loaded up only when shooting.

Magazine design and capacity also affect the longevity of the spring. In many older pistol designs, maximum capacity was not the always the goal such as with the 7 round 1911 Colt magazines will last for years fully loaded. There was room for more spring material in these guns which reduces overall stress and increases the usable life of the spring.

More recently higher capacity magazine have become popular. These are designed to hold more rounds with less spring material often in the same space. This puts more stress on the spring and will cause it to fatigue at a faster rate. Unloading these magazines a round or two will help the life of the spring. Rotating fully loaded magazines will also help the problem somewhat but it is not always practical.

In applications where the magazine must be kept loaded at all times, a high quality magazine spring such as Wolff extra power magazine springs, will provide maximum life. Regular replacement of magazine springs will provide the best defense against failure from weak magazine springs. Regular shooting of the pistol is the best way to be sure the springs are still functioning reliably."

I also do the "one less round" thing and have done so for years.
I also rotate my mags, but only twice a year as part of routine maintenance on them.
I have never replaced a magazine or spring from wear. Ever. I must be doing something right.