Magazine-Tube Spring Question

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

Alrighty, I've seen the "Is it bad to leave my mags loaded" threads so many times here over the years, and the going answer seems to be that leaving them loaded doesn't hurt the springs, general use is what wears them out.
Same for leaving a 1911 cocked & locked for extended periods of time.

What I haven't seen here: is it the same for tube-magazines, on my shotguns and lever-guns?

I'm expecting the answer to be the same, that it's fine to leave them fully loaded for extended periods of time, and that using them is what wears on them over time, but I don't know for sure, so I'm asking. All high-road thoughts and opinions are welcome.

 

[Skribs]

I bought a tube extension for my pump shotgun, and when I installed it I mixed up the springs, so I installed a 4-shell spring into a 6-shell tube. It got relatively little use, and after a while it still cycled just fine. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[CoRoMo]

...it's fine to leave them fully loaded for extended periods of time... using them is what wears on them...

You'll want to check this thread out: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=679572

 

[Ramone]

Without any evidence, I've always accepted that you shouldn't leave a shotgun tube Mag loaded for long periods of time, as the rounds can deform.

As to the springs, I believe you'd be OK

 

[Skribs]

I haven't had a problem, Ramone.

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

Alrighty thanks guys, CoRoMo great link to that thread, hadn't seen it before. I might look into a big purchase from Wolff as I have other springs I need and could replace for other guns too.

 

[bobinoregon]

With old Win 94's I learned a long time ago that if you hold them upright and give them a good slap on the side it's surprising how many times you can get an extra bullet out of what was supposed to be an empty gun. The spring gets weak and doesnt push back enough sometimes.

 

[Malamute]

I'd guess thats more from being dirty than the spring going bad.

I've had several Winchester 94's, and they've mostly all been loaded as long as I've owned them, a couple I've had 25 years or so. I've never had any troubles with the springs. I did have one Browning 92 that the spring shortened on (still worked), I believe it was a bad spring, as its definately in the minority in all the lever guns I've had over time, and most were loaded as long as I owned them for the most part.

One old 94 I bought was a ranch gun from Az. It was filthy dirty and had been used hard all it's life, being made in the late 20's. I took it apart, the magazine spring had been worn through in 2 places, they had spliced the spring back together with sewing thread, it still worked though.

I suppose they go bad over time or with use, but I've been surprised at how little trouble I've had with any of them over time.