Magazine Maintenance

Ensuring that your gun magazines are kept clean and in optimal condition is not just a matter of performance, but one of safety and reliability as well. Maintaining these often-overlooked components should be an essential practice for every responsible gun owner.

It would be safe to say that the average person likely spends more time maintaining their actual firearm than they do their accessories (as one should). However, if you neglect your other equipment, it may come back to haunt you at some point. A mechanical failure at the wrong time is one thing if you’re simply at the range, but it’s quite another if your safety or the safety of others is at risk (ie. military / law enforcement / personal defense). Whether your detachable magazines are steel, aluminum or polymer, keeping them in good working order will always serve you well.

Potential Issues

Obviously, there is going to be a range in the levels of cleanliness and disrepair due to neglect when it comes to your magazines. There can be all manner of dirt, debris, grit, corrosion and other junk that can build up inside over time, especially if you tend to shoot in nasty conditions. There is also the physical integrity of the casing to consider, if it has suffered any significant drops, resulting in dents, cracks or bends. Here are a few of the problems that may occur:

 Failure to Feed (FTF)

Dirt and debris inside the magazine (or external damage) can obstruct the smooth movement of cartridges, causing them to jam and fail to feed into the chamber properly. Spring tension issues can add to the problem.

 Failure to Eject (FTE)

A dirty magazine can contribute to failures in the ejection process by disrupting the timing or causing additional friction during the cycling of the firearm’s action.

Reduced Capacity

Dirt and grime can take up space inside the magazine, potentially reducing its capacity to hold the correct number of cartridges.

 Difficulty in Loading

Accumulated dirt can make it harder to load cartridges into the magazine, leading to increased wear on the magazine spring.

Magazine Retention

Damage to the magazine’s retention features (such as the base plate or retention lips) can affect how securely the magazine is held in place within the firearm. This can lead to unintentional magazine drops or unreliable seating.

Solutions

Most of the ways to offset the above would be self-evident for the most part.  Essentially, it’s simply a matter of paying attention and applying some common-sense maintenance practices.

Inspections

Establish a regular inspection and maintenance schedule based on your usage. This could be measured either by number of rounds fired or number of shooting sessions completed. Check for excessive dirt, debris, wear and obvious damage.

Cleaning

Disassemble the magazine (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Thoroughly clean the exterior and interior of the magazine body, follower, and spring using a soft brush, cloth, or a cleaning patch. Ensure you remove any dirt, debris, or fouling that may affect the magazine’s function. Ensure that all components are properly aligned when reassembling.

Lubrication

After cleaning, apply a light coat of gun-specific lubricant to the magazine spring and follower. Be cautious not to over-lubricate, as excess oil can attract dirt and debris.

Storage & Transport

Store your magazines in a cool, dry place to prevent rust or corrosion. Consider using protective magazine pouches or cases to prevent damage during storage or transport.

Function Testing

After cleaning and maintenance, function test the magazine with dummy rounds or snap caps to ensure it feeds reliably.

Spares

It’s a good practice to have spare magazines available. This not only ensures you have enough ammunition readily available, but also allows you to rotate magazines to reduce overall wear.

Replacement

Magazines have a limited lifespan and can wear out over time, especially if they are exposed to harsh conditions or heavy use. Periodically replace magazines that show signs of wear, feeding problems, or damage.

Proper magazine maintenance is crucial for firearm reliability, safety and longevity. Remember that the specific maintenance requirements and recommendations may vary depending on the type and brand of magazine and firearm you are using.