Do you leave your M14 mags loaded?

[2908]

Most of my M14 mags are 50+ years old and in good shape but I wonder about leaving them loaded for extended periods. I'm embracing my heritage a bit and putting together some M1961 belts and pouches. I don't shoot my M1A year round, and never fully load them. Any problems with leaving them loaded? Thx, WB

[ZvenoMan]

Most of the research I have seen says a spring wears in use, not being static. Certainly there are differences between brands (type of steel in spring, type of temper, super tactical neon zombie coating, whatever) but I have heard the consensus is loaded or full there is no difference in spring life.

Me; I keep mine empty, I have other magazines that remain loaded.
JH

[steve ingalls]

I personally dont and load them prior to a shoot using the stripper clip guide on the top of my M1A with mag inserted prior. On the flip side Ive shot my great uncles M1911A1 issued to him during WW2 with mags he loaded in 1943 with no problems! I also keep my AR mags loaded which are at least 30 years old and have had no issues so who knows?

[AzDoug]

Mine are loaded.

[old sagarand]

Sometimes. 99.9% of the time use the same mag and have left it fully loaded at different times with no ill effects.

[ww2farmer]

No, not for my M1A, but I keep mags loaded for other things that would be more useful inside the house, if god forbid I ever need them. I live in town, and throwing .308 around at a bump in the night might not be a good idea.

[BrokenOpRod]

why run the risk leave them unloaded. KISS

[ZvenoMan]

Originally Posted by BrokenOpRod

why run the risk leave them unloaded. KISS

More relevant, why leave them loaded?

Like old sagarand, I use pretty much 1 mag, 2 in matches. Most of mine are still in the CMI plastic!
JH

[Ketiwa-SG]

One mag loaded for that unlikely SHTF scenario where 7.62 will be most beneficial where a 'lesser' caliber would fall short. Always prepared without having to go overboard. I don't need 8-10 M1A mags loaded at all times.

[Chris_B]

I don't own such a rifle, but springs of this type take a very minor 'set' when they are new. And that's pretty much it.