So Silicon is not OK? Thanks!

FWIW - I just disassemble & check them once a year, or if they're grossly dirty; otherwise wiping down seems to suffice.
m&c

Sorry, chrome silicon is a better metal for magazine springs if they are kept in a clean, dry environment.

In the real world, they rust much faster than the stainless steel springs, and thus have to be maintained.

I would take the stainless ones over the chrome silicon. Then all you have to do is to wipe them off occasionally to keep the dust and dirt out of the mags.

TR

I was thinking the spray type silicone bought at China Mart and auto parts stores for rust protection. :)

Any updates to Syn oil? I know it's been awhile.:cool:

I remember a magazine article on this topic years ago, and it included "should magazines be loaded to less than full capacity" so the spring had "a little slack" to make it last longer. (e.g. 18 rounds in a 20 round mag).

The results were straightforward.

Store the magazines loaded to the rated capacity, or store them part empty, or empty them unless loading up to fire ... the result is the same. There is no "statistically significant difference" in the life of the spring. The only way to shorten the life of the spring is to cycle it.

As Ambush Master said, it is the cycling -- compress, uncompress, compress, uncompress -- that "work hardens" the spring with every cycle, ultimately leading to the metal snapping. Much like bending a paper clip back and forth and back and forth.

When you thing about it, that makes sense. So have a number of magazines, and rotate among them rather than using the same two or three at the range every time. They will then all last longer.

I have experienced no lubrication related malfunctions while using synthetic motor oil and automotive grease.

I do run my weapons wet though.

TR

Thank you gentlemen!

T.R., Mobile One?

Correct.

TR

I have had new mags right out of the wrappers that were bone dry and would not work till I depressed follower and ran a patch down inside with Mobil 1 on them.

As Richard said above don't overdo it as lubricant attracts dust.

DO NOT USE Graphite powder ! ! ! ! Graphite in the presence of moisture is a lubricant, graphite in the absence of moisture is an abrasive. That is why graphite is in brake shoes.

There was a course at Rock Island Arsenal called "Corrosion and Prevention of Material Deterioration" and if it is still conducted and you can get sent to it GO ! ! !
Finest DA course I ever attended. It is a week long and you will be amazed at what it covers.