safe to leave striker fired pistol loaded foe extended time?

[dgang]

Just received a striker fired 9mm pistol from my family for Christmas. Up to now I have carried a 3" .357 revolver and just placed it in a safe place when at home. Can I do the same with the striker fired pistol, meaning keeping a round in the chamber and cocked for extended periods of time. Not knowing, it would seem that it would similar to keeping a crossbow cocked for weeks or even a month and it would be hard on and weaken whatever springs and mechanisms involved. Thanks for the input and a merry Christmas to all of you. Dgang

 

[bnewberry]

The information I have read indicates that it is cycling a spring that weakens it more than leaving it compressed. So leave it loaded and store it safely if you like.

 

[GunnyGene]

It'll be fine. Mine (Ruger 9e) has been in condition 0 for several years, except when I shoot it occasionally. Never had a problem.

 

[Taterman]

Glad to hear this about leaving it loaded.

 

[blume357]

I've always heard the same about magazine springs and so I would presume it is the same for any spring.
Think about it this way:
Before striker fired there were all these other semi- auto pistols... Single action only and single / double action... all them including the striker fired have a recoil spring that is under partial tension regardless of whether there is a round in the chamber or not.

 

[s4s4u]

Springs weaken from use. Do I empty my magazines every night? Do I jack up the body of my pickup truck when I park it? Nope!

1911 cocked and locked. LC9s one in the pipe except when cleaning.

 

[mac66]

For long term storage I think it's better to drop the hammer/striker. For an EDC pistol I don't think it matters much.