Get more materials out of dismantling weapons (don't know about armor)

So I had a legendary pulse rifle that I know I'll never use, but instead of breaking it down right away I went ahead and maxed out it's experience, but didn't actually upgrade it at all.  Ended up getting 5 Ascendant Energies out of it instead of the usual 2-3.  

Since I had no other primary to level up I figured I'd give it a shot, and it worked.

I had hear about this but never bothered to try it, too impatient.  I also heard the trick does NOT work for armor.

That is enlightening.  I knew I had got more back from breaking one down that I had leveled and maxed, but I wasn't sure if it was the materials I had put in it or just the xp that caused it to return more when dismantled.  Thanks for clarifying.

I can confirm it doesn't work for armor - I broke down gloves I had leveled but not put any materials in (because I found a raid piece just at the right time) and got the same thing I normally would have.

but i have 54  energy    sooooo dont need more XD

I have some more weapons I'd like to fully upgrade so I need as many as I can get.  My issue is with having WAY too many shards.  If I could trade those in for Energies I'd be happy.