Semi-auto Pistol Magazines

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Originally Posted by Bird

I also read one place that it's best to have the magazine completely full rather than partially full. Does that mean my Sig is going to work better or last longer if I keep 13 rounds in a magazine instead of 10?

interesting - I was told the opposite -- that if I only put 10 rounds in the mag for long term storage rather than 12 or 13 the spring would not take a noticable "set".

[Bird]

Originally Posted by Erik_in_Hoyt

interesting - I was told the opposite -- that if I only put 10 rounds in the mag for long term storage rather than 12 or 13 the spring would not take a noticable "set".

That would "sound" more logical to me, but I have no scientific way of knowing which is right. And I doubt that I'll load more than 10 at a time since the kind of qualifying shooting I have to do is all in 5 round increments.

[Big Bri]

FWIW i keep all of my magazine full. Most of my pistols have 4 magazine and i leave all full. my 5 round rifle stay full also. My ar's have 30 round clips and keep them full, i do find that the cheep $20 ar magazines don't last. seem that after 600 or so rounds they start to feed funny. but the better hk never give me any problems.
Brian

[Western]

It seems it would matter most at what maintenance level a person wants to go to.

Also it would seem a difference between civilian use and LE/Mil use. I always opted for the security, being a walking target, since I relied on my sidearm and possibly had to be relied upon by a civilian needing help. My side arm, to me, was a life line to the "stuff" kept in the patrol car if it was needed, being point on the entry team my car was "well stocked".

I would think a periodic inspection of mags is at least warranted, especially the base of the clip, that it is secure. Sometimes the crimps can become loose, if it falls off you wont have a spring and you'll have to throw ammo at the bad guy.

Kinda like the work I had done on my Sig, pin and spring replacement. They recommend replacement every year. possibly absurd, but I had her done for $140 including shipping. did I need it? maybe,, maybe not, but I don't "wonder" if they are good.

There are so many variables it would be hard to say really, If I was a mechanic, I would clean my tools after use. My tractor is another story.....