Agree. I'm just not getting why anyone, other than perhaps all the run and gun guys who compete, would allow their magazines to drop into the dirt? To achieve what purpose? Some kind of B.S. "fast reload"? They've been watching too much TV. Or else think they're Rob Leatham.
Things happen. Things get dropped unintentionally. People fall down and get dirty and then have to handle things.
Remember, people use guns for things other than shooting at the range. In a self-defense encounter, all kinds of unplanned things can happen, including rolling around on the ground fighting with someone, getting shot or injured, dropping things in the melee...
And that's not the only way a magazine can get dusty/dirty. Sometimes it's dry and the wind blows dust/sand around. Sometimes it's not sand or dirt that gets in them, it's lint or fuzz from clothing.
Anyway, it's all easily preventable. Keep them dry inside and they won't collect dirt. And if they're quality mags, they will function just fine dry since that's how mags are supposed to work.
I guess we can see what some manufacturers have to say on the topic.
Beretta:
http://www.beretta.com/assets/12/29/APX_Manual_ENG_2016_05_031.pdf
"Make sure the magazine is thoroughly clean and that the follower slides easily downward if pressed. Dry the internal walls of the magazine box with a cloth. Do not leave any oil in the magazine."
Glock:
https://us.glock.com/-/media/global...ion_for_use_gen5-xmodel_en_22012018.pdf?la=en
"Do not put cleaner-lubricant-preservative or gun oil inside the firing pin channel. Make sure that the magazine (inside and out) and breech face are wiped dry before reassembling your GLOCK pistol. Leaving lubricant in these areas could cause contaminations of primers and failure to fire."
Larry Vickers has an opinion.
https://www.vickerstactical.com/magazines.html
"Do not oil the magazine internals as this tends to attract debris."
Another opinion on the topic.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/9/12/how-to-clean-your-guns-tips-from-an-expert/
He also warns to not lubricate the firing-pin channel, chamber, bore or magazines, because lubricants often allow debris to stick, and you don’t want stuck debris in these areas.
Let's put it this way. If the manufacturer of your particular firearm recommends oiling the magazines, follow their instructions closely. Otherwise, it's best to leave them dry inside. If you feel you must lubricate them, use a dry lubricant that won't attract any dirt or dust or get old and sticky or leave a residue buildup.