Home defense shotgun magazine spring.

[the conservative atheist]

I have an 870, I leave tube loaded with shells but the chamber empty. Any truth to this weakening the magazine spring to the point of the gun not cycling shells in the time of need? I have heard of people leaving the magazine at -1 full capacity to help prevent spring weakening? BS or not?

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

No. Springs wear out from cycling, not compression. This is assuming it’s an older Remington or at least hey didn’t start using cast pot metal for their more recent springs.

 

[aron82]

No. Springs wear out from cycling, not compression. This is assuming it’s an older Remington or at least hey didn’t start using cast pot metal for their more recent springs.

This, although shotgun shells can deform over time from being compressed. You should rotate the shells every once in a while.

If you are concerned about the spring you can get a replacement or even a longer spring for more force.

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

This, although shotgun shells can deform over time from being compressed. You should rotate the shells every once in a while.

If you are concerned about the spring you can get a replacement or even a longer spring for more force.

Good point. IMO, you ought to be practicing with anything you intend to use for self/home defense anyways. Carry it to the range every few trips and burn through the shells. Reload and store.

 

[BDK]

I have a 7 shot extension on my 1100 that I have left loaded with 6 shells for years. It works every time. I figure if I can't kill whatever is in my house with 5, 00 Buck shells with the last shell being a slug, it ain't gonna happen. I just don't like leaving springs compressed for long periods of time. I do also have a 25 shell bandoleer with 20 buckshot and 5 slugs hanging in the safe next to the shotgun, because it never hurts to have options.

 

[Aisin]

Multiple videos on YouTube proving that springs do in fact compress while loaded for long periods of time.

 

[smurfblue40]

Since we’re in the magazine tube...

I’ve seen follower “upgrades” in my web surfing of all things 12ga

Does a “fancy new” follower really make a difference over the OEM

 

[TheFlyingDildocupine]

Not really unless you want a different color to see if you're empty a bit easier.

 

[smurfblue40]

Not really unless you want a different color to see if you're empty a bit easier.

Kind of what I was thinking... I have spray paint if I forget how to count rounds

 

[aron82]

Kind of what I was thinking... I have spray paint if I forget how to count rounds

Spray paint can scrape off and gum up the magazine tube. The fancy replacement one are anodized aluminum, or probably some bright plastic ones.
I wouldn't worry about it unless you are shooting competition. Even then you would need to flip the gun over to see the follower.

 

[pdangerp]

If you want to leave it loaded, just buy a new spring on a regular interval and swap it when you clean the gun. What’s a good interval? I don’t know. Every year? 3 years?

 

[smurfblue40]

Spray paint can scrape off and gum up the magazine tube. The fancy replacement one are anodized aluminum, or probably some bright plastic ones.

Yeah, I wouldn’t actually spray paint anything that could gum things up. I’m pretty good at counting rounds ;)