M14 Forum

M2API

Can magazines for a 1918 BAR be stored loaded for longterm?

I've searched high and low and cannot find this information. Maybe it's out there and I missed it.

Somewhere I once read that the magazine springs will be damaged due to their design. I cannot remember where I read that.
I have to admit that I have not disassembled a BAR magazine, but will when I get a chance in a few weeks.

I have been all over the internet, and read every U.S. military manual that I can get ahold of and haven't found any mention of this.

Also, I so far have not found a good fit for BAR magazines in any size of ammo can. Does anybody have a good method worked out?

senecaap

I would not. Just out of curiosity why would you need them loaded long term ? leave them unloaded and oiled for storage. Eventually the spring will wear out anyway, it is the weakest point of the magazine, and to keep them loaded long term will just accelerate the process of the spring losing it's spring.....or the spring it's step will be reduced....I'm here all week try the veal:)

DukeRustfield

I looked at my M14, 1965 field manual and didn't see any mention, but it implies all ammo should be stored in boxes, out of sunlight, cool and dry if possible.

I'm not metallurgist, but I'd think a spring is a spring and the longer it's compressed the less...spring it will eventually have. You're basically storing bent metal. Again, I'm no expert but that doesn't seem good.

tmcfalls

Quality springs wear out from cycling more than being compressed.

M2API

It's been a while since I read it, but somebody posted something to the effect that 1918 BAR magazines springs would not tolerate being loaded longterm. Also at the same time the statement was made that the magazine springs were made of a flat-wire stock, and are different than many other magazine springs.
That was the only time I've ever seen such information, and at the time I did not have a BAR and I really didn't pay much attention to it.
You don't see alot of info posted about a BAR, and even less about BAR magazines.
I did find lately that most of my magazine are probably late production, likely VN/Vietnam era magazines. They may have a different spring than the earlier versions??? I will look at them as soon as I can.
I like to keep loaded magazines, en blocs ect onhand. If nothing else I will put unloaded BAR magazines in cans along with 1903 bandoliers and 1918 magazine loading tools.

MRB14

Usually it's the use of magazines that wear them out. Storing loaded or not loaded has no effect in my experience. I've had magazines for M1 carbine and M1A loaded for 30+ years and they work with no problem. The ammunition was a little green in the M1 carbine magazine, but it fired good and magazine has worked well since then. However, don't know if the BAR magazine is the same type spring.

1KPerDay

I'd be more concerned about pressure on the feed lips... BAR mags are known to be relatively flimsy. Keep M14 mags loaded? Yes... But IMO it'd probably be best to store BARs empty.

M2API

1K You may be on to something there.
They do look to be a little on the thin side.

Jason0839

Ive got a OOW BAR so Ive researched this a bit. I have a FM from for the BAR and even back in the day when the BAR was still a front line weapon it was recomended to not keep the Magazines loaded. The magazine is the weak area of the weapon, its even recomended to only load 18 rounds as the magazine can bind. Just adds to her character!!!

Sweets

Second wisest information I ever came across on the subject of keeping mags loaded is that sometimes you can and sometimes you can't. Sometimes, as the old guy said, you can unload a pistol that was stored for 50 years with a full mag, reload with new ammo, and you're good to go. And sometimes such a mag is trashed.

Wisest advice I ever came across was 'don't do it.' Takes the guesswork out of the equation.

M2API

I appreciate everyones input.
It sounds like I had better just forget this idea.
BAR magazines are old, don't grow on trees, and cost more than many other magazines.

Jason which manual did you find that info in? I looked in a lot of places but didn't find it. I probably overlooked after reading for hours. Jeez!!

ww9853

I store them in a 50 cal ammo can. Stand then upright in the can, it will hold 12. you can lay 2 or 3 more across the top and shut the lid. I also have an original U.S. military metal box that was designed for BAR magazines. I think it holds 12 or 16. I generally load my magazines at the range, they are not hard to load. You should buy the book " Rock in a Hard Place" by a guy named Jim Ballou. It will tell you all you need to know about BARs. Their is also a yahoo group called WWIIBarman. Mr Ballou posts on it. I have not found a whole lot of active BAR forums on the internet.

M2API

[B]ww9853[B] I will give that a try. Thank you.

Jason0839

The information was found in an Army FM that I picked up at a gun show, Vietnam era!!!!! As usal though the Marines were still fielding old stuff, and there are many accounts and award citiations about Marines and their BARs from Vietnam. The Corps has a thing for SAW weapons and used the old girl to great affect.

Snypr18

You could always just keep the magazine loaded but not at full capacity. If its a 20 round magazine keep 6 rounds in it or what have you. That way there is less stress on the spring and on the feed lips, but youre still ready to go at a moments notice.