Cleaning Magazines-How Often?

[Potatohead]

Just sitting down to clean my SR9 and P238 and the thought hit me-Ive yet to clean my magazines. The SR has about 1000 rds through it (through mainly 2 mags)and the p238 probably 450 (2 mags). Im putting about 150 rds per wk through the sr9 and half that through the p238 currently. When will i need to clean (or check) them? I like cleaning my guns but not looking forward to chasing springs around the living room. Im sure the answers will vary but i'd like to get some idea of how you all operate regarding mags. This may need moving to handgun forum..?

 

[AK103K]

Depends on use and the mags. I used to have to clean my Wilson 1911 mags about every week, especially my reloads, due to the witness slots leaving everything and anything in. More dust bunnies than under the bed.

My GI 1911, SIG and Glock, mags, dont seem to have the problem, and get/got cleaned once in awhile, if I think about it. Even then, not really worth the effort, as they rarely are very dirty inside. I clean them maybe once or twice a year.

 

[MedWheeler]

You're supposed to clean the magazines..!?

 

[hariph creek]

Really depends on; how often shot, how often carried, how carried, and any other extenuating "environmental" factors.

I'm kind of obsessive, I do it more often than necessary.
My carry guns and mags get detailed once per month. Pocket lint is the reason.
Everything else is once a year. During the winter, when I've got some down time. Unless extenuating "environmental" circumstances apply.
I only use mags with removable base plates. It's not hard to contain the spring. As long as you anticipate it.

ETA: it's amazing how much/fast lint can accumulate.

 

[thorazine]

I like cleaning my guns but not looking forward to chasing springs around the living room. Im sure the answers will vary but i'd like to get some idea of how you all operate regarding mags. This may need moving to handgun forum..?

I find cleaning magazines a hundred times easier and quicker in comparison to the actual firearm.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Only time I clean them is when I drop them in the dirt.

I've got magazines that haven't been cleaned in over 50 years.

 

[gym]

I don't remember cleaning a magazine in 20 yrs. Other than wiping off a little powder once in a while.

 

[Constrictor]

Clean them every outing as they are part of the gun.

 

[GBExpat]

Cleaning Magazines-How Often?

Whenever it appears that they need cleaning.

 

[MErl]

When they get gritty enough to bind or I can hear sand rattling around in them.

 

[Potatohead]

thats encouraging. i better break mine open and see whats in there i have a feeling

 

[Potatohead]

the "dont ever clean them" crowd is really making me happy right now!
thanks for your comments fellas

 

[Newcatwalt]

If the magazine isn't clean; the pistol isn't clean. I clean my pistol after every shooting, preferably the same day.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'm not big on more than a wipe down unless I have been 'out in the weather' or 'out in the dirt'.

Thing is, a LOT of my shooting is done in those conditions. So I suspect I clean/wipe them out more than I used to. Glad PMags are so easy to clean, I have filled a few with dirt.

 

[Apuuli]

Wait... you can reuse magazines?!

 

[SconnieGirl]

I would never clean a mag until it starts to feel gritty when loading it. But, I do have an excessive amount of mags, so maybe they don't get as much wear or tear as someone with a pistol with two mags.

I also rarely clean any of my Glocks, because, well, they work great dirty...up to a point.

 

[XDJ]

I think I've cleaned one or two of my magazines. When I cleaned them I realized how little "dirt" if got out of them. Haven't cleaned a mag since. I could see if I were to carry all the time, cleaning out lint and dust bunnies may be useful. I live in California so mine are mostly safe queens that get shot in very controlled environments.

I also don't clean my guns every time out. I really enjoy shooting, not cleaning. You can all stone me now.

 

[mf-dif]

Pretty much never. I have broken a poly mag feed lip without cleaning after probably 2500rds. It still shot!

 

[LubeckTech]

I recently replaced the springs in my M&P 9L magazines and found after 2.5 years I should have done it sooner.

 

[herrwalther]

When they are dirty.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Most of my magazines get used in competition so they get cleaned almost once a week. They get dropped in the dirt and mud regularly, and that obviously can't stay in there.

 

[texasgun]

aahhh... bascially NEVER.

I mean I would clean them if they get dropped in the dirt or mud. But when that's not the case... no cleaning.

I have at least 2,000+ rds through a particular Wilson 1911 magazine and I see no need why I should clean it. I shoot factory rounds and the magazine is not dirty. works flawlessly.

 

[pockets]

The last time I cleaned a magazine, all of the pictures rubbed off the pages.
.

 

[MedWheeler]

Pockets, what were you cleaning from them?

 

[Potatohead]

thx guys