[special poop]

this may be one for "magazine talk." this is probably a dumb question too. anyway, I usually keep 10-12ea. 10 round clips fully loaded up. I usually shoot through them in about 30-60+ days. Is this ok, does it wear the clip out any to be fully loaded for an extended time frame? should I be keeping them empty unitl I'm ready to hit the range? Also, do any of you keep your ammo polished? I ask all this newbie stuff because I recently went out to the range with clips that had been laying around, fully loaded, for about 60 days. I had more jams than usual. It seemed like the ammo was a little bit sticky - or kind of dull looking in shine. maybe the ammo stuck together or something. what do you polish it with? windex? I have no idea that's why I'm taking it to the experts. thanks

 

[MAJORMINUS]

I was always taught not to load your mags to full capacity or at least not for very long(like a day or so).The idea was that it would weaking the spring and cause feed problems.I have never tested this idea, but it makes sense to me.The tarnish that you mentioned shouldn't cause any problems and there is no need to worry about polishing your ammo.Are you cleaning the weapon and mags?A dirty weapon or magazine could cause jamming.Exactly what kind of problems do you appear to be having?Is it not feeding correctly or not extracting correctly?

 

[special poop]

thanks maj, yeah I pretty much keep the gun spotless and the mags get a good a cleaning as I can do about every other outing. I do shoot in the desert so the sand factor may be at issue. basicaly it wasn'r feeding correctly. a big PS here - and maybe another topic - I forgot to mention I put one of those recoil buffers in too, and I've heard that that has caused similar problems to other. I took it out but haven't had the chance to test it out. what's the deal wit those things? I could feel the reduced recoiland would like to keep it in, but not at the expense of function. can you just get a more powerful ejector spring to compensate? thanks for the quick resposne.

 

[MAJORMINUS]

I don't know much about the recoil buffers. Most of my knowledge on mags/feed problems and such is from the time I spent in the Army trying to keep the ole M16A1 working halfways.I hadn't heard about the recoil buffers causing problems.If your problem started after you installed it then MAYBE.My Mini has never had any problems with feed/ejection, but some of the mags that I've seen are questionable with respect to durability.From my experiences the problem is usually in the mag, but if your problem isn't limited to one mag then I would fire it without the buffer and see what happens.

 

[Geno]

If you are using quality magazines (promag, PMI,Ruger) I dont see any problem with keeping them fully loaded for extended periods of time. I have read magazine articles in which magazines were stored loaded for years and years without loss of reliability. The malfunctions you are having may be due to poor quality aftermarket mags that do not feed reliably.

I have put a heavier Wolfe spring on my mini 30 and feel it improves function. I am thinking of getting a buffer in addition. Living near a desert (must be cool!) your ammo probably is not going to corrode enough to require cleaning.

 

[special poop]

dudes this is awesome thanks. I never had problems with the mags before - I think they're USA 10 rd banana'd a little. I think it was the new recoil buffer that was tainting the mix.

I'm going to trim it down some and get that heavier spring. I guess I'll just leave the mags loaded as it seems there is one vote for and one against.

glad I don't have to shine the damn rounds though - that'd be a pain.
thanks

 

[Satan2655]

The recoil buffer can lead to problems if it is not allowing the bolt to come back far enough to catch the next round or the bolt latch. Before trimming it, make sure it is seated correctly.

If you need to make it thinner, put some rough sandpaper, grit side up on a flat surface. Rub the buffer on the sandpaper to make it thinner. You shouldn't need to take off much material.

In my experience, I have had no problems with keeping a magazine mostly full. Some people would probably disagree because it MAY reduce spring strength. My experience also dictates reliability problems with about 50% of the USA mags I have encountered.

You may want to hold off on the stronger spring and instead try the orifice kit from Mike Knifong. Also, a trigger job or adjustable trigger from Mike is HIGHLY recommended.

 

[cajungeo]

Hey SP. The tarnished brass is no big deal, ever look at that Russian stuff? Your problem is most likely the Recoil buffer. We have had several members with similar problem like yours. The vendor said you have to fire aprox. 500 rds to brake it in. I would go with what you suggested, shaving or sanding down the thickness some. I believe the installing a heaver Slide Assy Spring such as the Wolf will worsen the problem, and may increase the likely hood of a broken Firing pin due to the extra strike force.

We had a thread dealing with the full mag issue, but I can't seem to find it. Most members agree with the Major, for long periods do not leave the mags full maby 1/2 full (thats what I do) Rotate the mags when shooting will insure the springs don't become permently compressed. However a couple of posters say they have left their mags full for years with no problems. It may be like Geno says, it depends on the quality of the Mag Spring.

I will move this post to the Mag talk for you.

 

[Satan2655]

Already moved it.

 

[Fourfourmag.com]

With quality magazines you will not have any problems leaving the magazines loaded for long periods. I would say with a Ruger or ProMag magazine leaving it loaded for 20 years would not be a problem. At that point I would probably consider a new spring but it would not likely be needed. A constant load is not as hard on a spring as cycling it during loading and unloading. So basicly the point is keep them loaded and don't worry about it.

As far as recoil buffers, in my opinion they are a gimick and cause more harm than good. Also your feeding problems are likely related to the USA brand magazines which commonly have this problem. I would recomend you stick to Ruger or ProMag mags,

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