How often do you cycle magazines to save the spring?

I usually carry the same magazines for about 3 months then switch to different mags to make sure the springs stay crisp and don't get worn out. Cycling mags is something my dad always did....so I do it. Does anyone else do this and how long do you use mags before cycling them?

I do it about once a month

I swap mags every other day. Even shooting at the range I'm very careful to swap them out after each set of shots.

That isn't the way science works. Compression and decompression cycles is what wears a spring out. It is a good idea to rotate mags so you can keep them clean though. Every few months or so is what I do.

Austin

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Originally Posted by aus71383

That isn't the way science works. Compression and decompression cycles is what wears a spring out. It is a good idea to rotate mags so you can keep them clean though. Every few months or so is what I do.

Austin

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That's an interesting comment, it makes sense because the only spring I ever really have to replace is the recoil spring which is worn from compressing/decompressing.

I don't worry about it. Never had a problem with them yet, and some have been loaded for several years.

I've kept my Glock 21 HC mags full for twenty years.
I've never had a single issue. A compressed spring does not wear.
I was given some good advice however. Springs are cheap.
I was advised to purchase an extra for each mag and keep them in a parts box for all my mags.
I'm gonna.

Yep, I don't worry about it. I don't think a loaded magazine will cause spring wear, I think it comes from being loaded/unloaded over and over. I've read enough deabates on this to make up my mind.

Ive heard both sets of advise. That said unless im packing all the spare mags ill usually switch em out about every month or so. I figure if compression decomprssion wears em out once a month aint gonna hurt em. And if leaving em loaded makes them take a set like some say they wont do it in a month. Sort of hedging my bets :wink:

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Originally Posted by ddclancy

That's an interesting comment, it makes sense because the only spring I ever really have to replace is the recoil spring which is worn from compressing/decompressing.

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Yep, despite what a few people claim, keeping your mags loaded for long periods will not do any damage to the spring or weaken it. Constantly loading and unloading does, over time cause it to weaken. Some people will leave a round or 2 out when storing for a long time "just in case".

I also swap my mags about every 2-3 months.

I shoot 15-20 reloads through a mag to make sure of function the fill it with my carry ammo and leave it be until I swap with fresh carry ammo which is about once a year.

Whenever I take them to the range. I wouldn't worry about the spring, though.

No significant loss in spring performance for most of the spring configurations I know of. I have a backup mag that's been loaded over a year.


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You will wear out 2 recoil springs before you wear out a magazine spring.

I wouldnt even give it a second thought.

....unless you live in CT and you have a 1 round magazine. Then they will wear out equally fast? lol

Austin