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I've had my gun since 2009, and before I got my LTC this year, it stayed in my nightstand fully loaded with one in the chamber. I think I maybe went to the range once or twice in that time? It was that "checkmark" to make sure I had a gun just in case someone robbed me.

Now that I've taken my LTC course and gotten my plastic, I have a completely different view. During the training course, our instructor even mentioned the very thing this post addresses. He said, "Do you leave your mags fully loaded under tension for years on end and never go to the range? That could be an issue when the time came to use it in a defensive situation?" He suggested loading two less (if the magazine holds 12, load 10) than what the magazine will hold in order to keep some room for tension in the mag spring.

I think the answer to this question is: Does it make you feel safer and the gun feel more reliable to check these things out more? Do you have the time to do it? Then do it. Anything that will put your mind at ease on the potential worst day of your life.

I think each magazine should be relieved of tension every so often, just to be on the safe side. I think the quality of mags nowadays kind of makes it a moot point, but it makes me feel better if I've swapped my mag out every 3 months. I also make it a point now to go to the range way more than I did to practice drawing from concealment. My favorite part is going to the range with my carry piece, and pulling my firearm that has been loaded under my shirt for the past 3 months and making sure it goes bang when I pull it out. I usually empty the clip of defensive rounds.

My opinion is that the user should have at least 5 magazines per handgun (more if they can afford it). I have multiple spots for those magazines (loaded in the gun, extra mag in the nightstand, carry mag, extra mag in the car). And the others will be unloaded in my range bag. The more the better I say. This 5 mag setup also helps downtime at the range loading mags. Load five, shoot for awhile, etc.

I have a google alert setup to remind me every 3 months to swap ammo and mags in my carry gun.

Like I said, completely different philosophy than what I had before, but one that I've decided to take on if I want to carry everyday and be ready.