Firearms Stack Exchange Archive

Magazines vs clips: what’s the difference?

• posted by: David Oneill on 2011-11-07
• tagged: magazine, terminology, clips
• score: 6

In a different question, I saw the comment that magazines and clips are different things. What are each (and by extension, what is the difference)?

Answer 365

• posted by: Chris Agocs on 2011-11-07
• score: 11

A magazine uses mechanical energy (e.g. a spring) to feed the next round. A clip just holds rounds in place, often times to assist in loading a magazine (see en bloc clip or stripper clip).

EDIT: Here's a good picture that isn't too snarky.

Answer 366

• posted by: kbyrd on 2011-11-07
• score: 7

From Wikipedia:

"A clip is a device that is used to store multiple rounds of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the magazine or cylinder of a firearm. This speeds up the process of loading and reloading the firearm as several rounds can be loaded at once, rather than one round being loaded at a time."

"A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device within or attached to a repeating firearm. Magazines may be integral to the firearm (fixed) or removable (detachable). The magazine functions by moving the cartridges stored in the magazine into a position where they may be loaded into the chamber by the action of the firearm."

Here's a picture with a clip on the far left and magazines on the right:

Answer 367

• posted by: Stephen R on 2011-11-07
• score: 2

Clips load magazines; magazines load firearms.

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