Is It Bad to Store Magazines Fully Loaded?

If you’ve spent any time around gun owners, you’ve probably heard the debate: Should you store your magazines fully loaded, or will it wear out the springs?

Some shooters insist that leaving magazines loaded for long periods will weaken the spring, while others argue that it’s completely fine.

So, what’s the real answer? Let’s settle this once and for all.

Will Storing Magazines Loaded Wear Out the Springs?

No, storing magazines fully loaded will not ruin them.

The idea that keeping a magazine loaded will “wear out” the spring is a common misconception. The real wear and tear on magazine springs come from cycling—loading and unloading rounds repeatedly. Springs in quality magazines are designed to stay under tension for extended periods without losing their strength.

Think about it like this: your car’s suspension is constantly under tension when it’s parked. Does that ruin the springs? Nope. But if you drive over rough terrain and constantly compress and decompress them, they’ll wear out over time.

The same logic applies to magazine springs. Load your mags and store them without worry.

What Actually Causes Magazines to Fail?

If leaving magazines loaded isn’t the problem, then what actually does cause them to fail? Here are the real culprits:

• Constant loading and unloading: This repeated action fatigues the spring over time.
• Poor-quality springs: Cheaply made springs can lose tension faster, so always stick to reliable manufacturers.
• Corrosion and rust: Storing magazines in humid or salty environments without proper maintenance can lead to rust, which can affect feeding and function.
• Polymer feed lip deformation: Some all-polymer magazines can experience feed lip creep under long-term pressure, though quality brands design against this issue.

Former Marine Recon Sniper and mechanical engineer Chet Peters weighs in on the topic:

That settles it. If a mechanical engineer who’s also a former Recon Sniper says it’s fine, it’s fine, or is it?

Metal vs. Polymer Magazines: Which Are Better for Long-Term Storage?

Not all magazines are created equal, and the material used for the feed lips can impact long-term durability.

So, what should you do? If you’re concerned about feed lip creep in polymer mags, you can use dust covers (like the ones Magpul includes) to reduce pressure. However, many shooters have stored PMAGs fully loaded for years with no issues, myself included.

How to Store Loaded Magazines the Right Way

If you’re storing loaded mags, you want to ensure they’re protected from moisture in the air. Here’s how to do it right:

Use Ammo Cans for Magazine Storage

Military-style metal ammo cans are an excellent choice for keeping loaded mags safe. They seal well, are stackable, and can be easily secured.

For those who prefer a lighter option, MTM makes dedicated magazine storage cases with foam inserts to keep mags organized and upright.

Control Humidity to Prevent Corrosion

Humidity is the enemy of metal springs and mag bodies. If you’re storing your mags in a gun safe or storage locker, throw in a dehumidifier.

Keeping moisture under control will ensure your mags, especially the old-school metal mags, are around for the long haul, whether loaded or not.

Regularly Rotate and Check Your Mags

Even though leaving magazines loaded isn’t a problem, it’s still a good habit to inspect them periodically. Every few months do a quick check:

• Ensure springs are still functioning properly.
• Look for rust, dirt, or debris inside the mag body.
• Wipe down metal mags with a light coat of oil if needed.

Final Verdict: Should You Store Your Magazines Loaded?

Yes. Absolutely.

Quality magazines are built to handle the stress of being stored loaded. Repeated use—loading, unloading, and firing—causes wear, not static tension.

So go ahead, load them up, and store them. Ensure you’re using quality mags, keeping them dry, and inspecting them occasionally. When you need them, they’ll be ready.