I keep four AR10 (Converted M14) mags loaded with 18 rounds at all times.
Will this eventually weaken the spring causing misfires?
Jim

quote:

Originally posted by arkypete:
I keep four AR10 (Converted M14) mags loaded with 18 rounds at all times.
Will this eventually weaken the spring causing misfires?
Jim

Jim, I've never seen a weak magazine spring cause a "misfire"! However, it might cause a feeding problem. Nerk...nerk...nerk!

I've pulled out mags (AR15/M16) that have been fully loaded for YEARS and they have functioned perfectly.

But, it's always a good practice to check magazines for function from time to time. Magazine maintenence is important.

Consider buying some Wolff replacement springs if you are worried about keeping your magazines loaded for long periods of time.

Don

Being a revolver and bolt action guy, these new fangled devices leave me doubtful.
In the service the mags were not loaded for any great length of time, by that I mean months, before they were emptied for cleaning or being fired.
The house gun is a S&W 625 45 Colt, so no spring issues there over a long period of time.
As I remember any failure to fire was a misfire, then it would be a failure to feed, broken firing pen, under jammed would have a multitudinus list of reasons.
Thanks for your help I may get a handful of mag springs for the AR10, just to have them.
Jim

I read somewhere recently about a house being torn down in Belgium and found in the attic was an MP40 with 'several' fully loaded mags. And every one of the mags functioned flawlessly!
It may have been on this forum, I just don't remember and it seems I recall 'Edmond' posting something in regards to this. I suppose you could search for it but I don't have time right now.
Interesting though that we worry about leaving them loaded for a spell and these had been loaded over fify years!

FWIW, in 1978 I bought a 1913 manufactured Colt 1911 that the seller's grandfather had carried in WWI and then brought home with him. He kept it in an old military holster with a full magazine. It was his "truck" gun on his farm. The seller didn't know anything about it, other than it stayed in the truck at all times.
I got the gun, and checking for safety, dropped the magazine. It was loaded with 7 rds of 1918 dated ammo. None in the chamber. My guess would be that the gun was loaded from the time he got back to the farm until I bought it. 60 yrs! The magazine still functions perfectly!

quote:

Thanks for your help I may get a handful of mag springs for the AR10, just to have them.

Jim, check with Armalite and/or Wolff to make sure you get the correct springs for the converted M14 mags for your AR10.

Find out if you need the AR10 springs or the M14 springs. Wolff has both available.

Wolff Gunsprings

Don