Shooting a pistol does not weaken the mag springs, being compressed all the time makes them take a set, and they can become shorter in length and also weaker in strength. Whenever I have bought other pistols there is a breakdown of all the parts and usually you can purchase any of the individual components. Your mag consists of the follower, spring, mag body, and floorplate if it is not welded to the body and the base pad. Springs can get rusty, bent and or broken. Followers wear if they are plastic, and numerous other things can happen. Now if I need a spring for whatever reason I cannot get one without buying a new mag. I mean I can get a takedown pin, grip screws and just about every other part to keep my weapon running except for mag parts. I just found that odd, I forgot to mention that Maria called me the other day and said she located a couple of springs for me and they are on their way so my problem is solved. If any of you other R owners are interested give her a call. They really are a first class company.