diff --git a/code/modules/projectiles/guns/magic.dm b/code/modules/projectiles/guns/magic.dm
index b4f9fa404e3..63dbcf271c8 100644
--- a/code/modules/projectiles/guns/magic.dm
+++ b/code/modules/projectiles/guns/magic.dm
@@ -65,12 +65,18 @@
 
 
 /obj/item/gun/magic/process()
+	// Don't start recharging until we lose a charge
+	if(charges >= max_charges)
+		charge_tick = 0
+		return FALSE
+
 	charge_tick++
-	if(charge_tick < recharge_rate || charges >= max_charges)
-		return 0
-	charge_tick = 0
-	charges++
-	return 1
+	if(charge_tick >= recharge_rate)
+		charge_tick = 0
+		charges++
+		return TRUE
+	else
+		return FALSE
 
 /obj/item/gun/magic/update_icon_state()
 	return