Quote:
Originally Posted by Dozer523
TR
What do you think of the idea of releasing the spring from the housing during long periods when the mags will be stored empty? The "letting the spring rest" idea?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Reaper
If the mags are stored empty, there should be very little load on them, so I wouldn't bother. There are BAR mags out there that are almost 100 years old and are still working, and metallurgy today is better than it was back then.
I would consider having plenty of spare mags and extra springs though. Mags today are made to be disposable. No point in having a bad $10 mag keeping a $1000 rifle from being reliable.
TR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dusty
Next to this advice from a proven SME, my post looks ignorant; I need to clarify in order to not appear misinformed (stupid). 
When I say maintain the magazines the same way as any part of the weapon, I'm concurring with TR's advice, e.g. disassembing the mag during "PMCS", when the weapon is disassembled. I wipe all parts dry after cleaning, and reapply enough lube to rails (or whatever part needs lube depending on the environment).
Down South, I left a light coat of Break Free-more than I would in a desert environment-oxidation being a problem in the jungle.
The point was supposed to be that the magazines should receive no less attention than any other part of the system, IMO.
Did I crawdad out of this one? |
Magazine Springs will generally retain their functionality whether they are compressed or relaxed. What wears them out is cycling i.e. loading, unloading or radical/repetitive thermal changes. I have several P35 mags that I carried in RVN 40 years ago and have been used numerous times since, that still function flawlessly and are never left empty for very long!! I do keep my mags lightly oiled (almost appear dry) with either LPS2 or 3. LPS meets a Mil-Spec Fingerprint neutralizing requirement that is not found in many "Lubricants". I have a Citori that I shot competively down on the Texas Gulf Coast, that I wiped down with LPS2 after every outing. While the Gold is worn off of the trigger, there is not a spec of oxidation on the rest of it!!! Sweat, constant moisture, etc. and it is rust free!!
Any questions please give a shout!! Also...............forget wd40!!!!!
Dusty...................that was a very good Mud-Bug Scramble!!
Martin