This is a common question that many gun owners ponder. There are arguments on both sides of this issue, with some people adamantly insisting you should always unload your magazines when storing your firearm, while others believe it’s perfectly fine to leave magazines loaded indefinitely.
The case for unloading
Those who argue in favor of unloading magazines when storing guns offer several reasons:
- Unloaded guns are inherently safer. A loaded gun has the potential for unintended discharge, which could lead to injury or death.
- Loading wears down magazine springs. Leaving magazines constantly loaded can cause the spring to weaken over time.
- It allows for inspection and cleaning. An unloaded magazine can be more thoroughly inspected for damage or wear.
- Prevents corrosion. The ammunition in loaded magazines can corrode or cause corrosion of the magazine over time.
Many firearms instructors and experts advise that guns should be stored unloaded and ammunition stored separately. Unloaded storage is one of the key tenets of basic gun safety and prevents unauthorized use or accidents.
The case for leaving magazines loaded
On the other side of the debate, some gun owners believe it’s acceptable or even preferable to leave magazines loaded for storage. Reasons include:
- Quick access in emergencies. A gun with a loaded magazine can be accessed and loaded quickly for self defense.
- Minimal spring wear. Modern magazine springs are designed for prolonged compression with minimal loss of spring capacity.
- Less handling of ammunition. Loading/unloading ammo needlessly handles ammunition more, increasing risk of damage or accidents.
- Prepared for action. A loaded magazine equates to a loaded gun, ready for immediate use if needed.
This reasoning prioritizes having a gun ready for action at a moment’s notice. For home defense or carry guns, loaded magazines ensure the firearm can be quickly loaded and brought into action when seconds count.
Factors to consider
There are several factors gun owners should consider when deciding whether to store magazines loaded:
- Gun type and use – Home defense and carry guns may warrant loaded magazines, while competition or sporting firearms are better stored unloaded.
- Magazine type – Older magazines with weaker springs may be more prone to problems from prolonged compression.
- Ammunition type – Corrosive or low quality ammunition could cause more issues in loaded mags.
- Storage conditions – Magazines stored in very humid, salty, or oily conditions may suffer more spring and ammo issues.
- Inspection schedule – Periodically unloading magazines allows inspection and parts replacement as needed.
- Presence of children – Unloaded storage may be safer if kids could access stored guns and magazines.
Considering these factors allows owners to make informed judgments about magazine storage methods in different situations.
Effects on springs
Much of the debate around loaded magazine storage revolves around the effects on magazine springs. Here are some key considerations:
- Springs wear from repeated compression/decompression cycles over time, not from static compression alone.
- Modern magazine springs are engineered for extended static compression without taking a set or losing effectiveness.
- Military tests have left magazines loaded for weeks or months without measurable spring degradation.
- Unreliable feeding is more often caused by worn feed lips, grit, bent springs, or damaged bodies.
Evidence indicates magazine springs are generally not harmed from months of continuous static compression. Only long-term storage for multiple years may potentially degrade spring performance. Regular inspection and replacement of worn parts is recommended.
Effects on ammunition
Ammunition left loaded in magazines over time can also experience some issues:
- Oxidation of cartridge brass and steel cases leads to tarnished appearance.
- Bullets can get stuck to magazine walls due to tarnish or gummed up propellant.
- Expansion of cartridge brass can cause feeding issues.
- Friction and movement can damage bullet tips and jackets.
- Exposure to salts, moisture or oils can accelerate these effects.
These effects may impact the performance and reliability of ammunition, but they develop very slowly over the span of years. Periodically rotating stock helps mitigate issues.
Safety considerations
Regardless of your view on loaded magazine storage, some basic safety practices should always be observed:
- Always store guns and ammunition securely out of reach of unauthorized persons.
- Store guns unloaded with magazines separate for maximum safety.
- Consider using gun locks, cases, and other mechanisms to prevent misuse.
- If storing with loaded magazines, be extremely cautious to prevent unintentional firing.
- Never allow children, untrained persons, or prohibited users access to loaded magazines.
Safety training, safe handling practices, and secured storage are critical for preventing accidents and misuse, especially in homes with kids, teens or prohibited persons.
Regular inspection & maintenance
To identify and prevent issues from developing in magazines and ammunition, experts recommend:
- Periodically unload and disassemble magazines to clean and inspect components.
- Check feed lips for wear or deformation.
- Inspect magazine spring for any cracks or weakened coils.
- Clean any grit, grime or corrosion from magazine body.
- Remove any ammunition showing corrosion or damage.
- Replace damaged springs and worn components as needed.
Well-maintained magazines and ammunition will perform reliably over many years of service life.
Storage conditions
The conditions which loaded magazines are stored in can make a difference. Some guidelines for ideal magazine storage include:
- Store in a clean, dry area away from moisture and salts.
- Avoid directly exposing magazines to humidity, condensation, or temperature extremes.
- Do not store loaded magazines in contact with cleaning chemicals, oils, or solvents.
- Remove magazines from firearms before applying lubricants or preservatives.
- Use desiccant packs to keep storage containers moisture-free.
Controlled climate storage helps loaded magazines avoid many issues associated with corrosion, tarnish, and fouling.
Conclusion
There are reasonable cases to be made both for and against leaving magazines continually loaded for storage. Much depends on the specific circumstances and risk factors involved.
Magazine springs are designed to handle prolonged compression, so spring wear is rarely a factor. However, ammunition may suffer issues from long-term loaded magazine storage depending on conditions.
Gun owners must weigh convenience and readiness against safety and maintenance considerations. Proper storage, inspection, and parts replacement combined with safe practices allows for flexibility in magazine storage options.
While reasonable people can disagree on this issue, the most important thing is following basic safety rules, training, and responsible ownership practices.