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Magazine maintenance

Throughout my time as a trainer on the range, I found the following to be the main problems causing semi auto handguns to malfunction:
1. Bad ammo
2. Bad magazine
3. Poor maintenance
4. Shooter error
5. It was a Taurus or a SCCY
Use quality, full power ammo to eliminate #1. If you are doing serious defensive training on an outdoor range, your magazines are going to get dropped on the ground and will pick up bits of grit, dirt, grass clippings, and snake poo from the ground. Likewise, if you carry spare magazines under a shirt, they will collect over time what closely resembles bellybutton lint. You should also be alert for rust forming on the metal springs of the magazines, not surprising in humid climes or torrid unions.
Contrary to pupular b
 
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Throughout my time as a trainer on the range, I found the following to be the main problems causing semi auto handguns to malfunction:
1. Bad ammo
2. Bad magazine
3. Poor maintenance
4. Shooter error
5. It was a Taurus or a SCCY
Use quality, full power ammo to eliminate #1. If you are doing serious defensive training on an outdoor range, your magazines are going to get dropped on the ground and will pick up bits of grit, dirt, grass clippings, and snake poo from the ground. Likewise, if you carry spare magazines under a shirt, they will collect over time what closely resembles bellybutton lint. You should also be alert for rust forming on the metal springs of the magazines, not surprising in humid climes or torrid unions.
Contrary to pupular b
I got timed out and didn't finish!
 
Throughout my time as a trainer on the range, I found the following to be the main problems causing semi auto handguns to malfunction:
1. Bad ammo
2. Bad magazine
3. Poor maintenance
4. Shooter error
5. It was a Taurus or a SCCY
Use quality, full power ammo to eliminate #1. If you are doing serious defensive training on an outdoor range, your magazines are going to get dropped on the ground and will pick up bits of grit, dirt, grass clippings, and snake poo from the ground. Likewise, if you carry spare magazines under a shirt, they will collect over time what closely resembles bellybutton lint. You should also be alert for rust forming on the metal springs of the magazines, not surprising in humid climes or torrid unions.
Contrary to pupular belief magazine springs don't fail from being left loaded, they fail from being compressed and uncompressed, like the mattress springs at the No Tell Motel.



I got timed out and didn't finish
 
Back in the dark ages (1975) when I began competing in Southern Arizona, we were spraying the magazines with WD-40 then air hose the crap out of the mags. We didn't have mags with removable floor plates for the 1911s. We thought we were in high cotton if we had a synthetic follower. Most of us ran Wilson followers for the extra round and thought all was right with the world.
 
The last CCW added to my carry rotation recommended a very light application of CLP on the mag spring and the outside of the mag only. Allow both to dry thoroughly, then a light wipe down. This worked so well for me that I also do this with my Hellcat and the 3rd EDC in my rotation. I keep an eye on them but they don't seem to attract any deposits for hundreds of rounds fired and all of my mags function flawlessly. I think the key here is very light application, dry thoroughly, then light wipe down. YMMV
 
It’s an Interesting idea/topic to consider. Now I’ve got something else to worry about…..errrrr……I mean obsess over.

I never really thought about changing springs and followers and bumper pads. Heck, I’m not sure how to even open up a Glock magazine and my 1911 mags might malfunction if I tinker with disassembly and reassembly, no?
 
I got timed out and didn't finish
The forum algorithim cut me off before I finished. Unless indicated earlier, I break down and clean my magazines once per year on a schedule, on my birthday so I don't forget. If you can't remember your birthday, you probably don't remember where you left your pistol anyway so it's a moot point. Inspect the spring for surface rust, and followerers fir nicks, cuts, abrasion and crud. Most manufacturers sell spring and follower replacements if needed.

Inspect the lips of the magazine tube for cracks and damage. If I find one damaged or bent it goes into the trash. I use a soft cloth and push it through the tube with a rod to push out dirt, sand, and mouse nests. The inside of the tube should be smooth and clean. If there is crud on the inside, don't use gun solvent as it will leave oily residue. Mineral spirits works best without leaving oil behind. If there is rust inside the tube evaluate for replacement. I opt for stainless magazines for less worry about corrosion. Don't put any oil inside the magazine, it will attract dust bunnies.

When you reassemble your magazine, be sure the detent locks securely. Give it a tug to try pulling it off to be sure it is locked in. If it comes off, replace the base plate. I have seen a base plate come off from recoil and dump spring, follower, and ammo on the ground. This is embarrassing in a gunfight and nobody wants to be laughed at by your enemy.

Magazine maintenance is often neglected. Pay attention to the details and they won't let you down.

That's all I got.
 
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