A Primer: Differences in appearance and function between a 'Clip' and a 'Magazine'

Janq · May 1, 2009

This is an item that very often and quite commonly is confused or used incorrectly.

As a rule of thumb:
* Magazines have springs and other components inside their casings.
* Clips are just a piece of cut or shaped metal with no additional components.

For folks to know and remember here is a little help...

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These are various pistol and rifle 'magazines' of varying type, mfr., and ammunition sizing

This is a 'moon clip' (full) as used to load and unload cartridges into revolvers

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Difference Between a Magazine and a Clip
YouTube - Difference Between a Magazine and a Clip

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Magazine (firearms)

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. The detachable magazine is often referred to as a clip; the correctness of this usage has been the subject of debate for most of a century.[1][2]

Magazines come in many shapes and sizes, from bolt action express rifles that hold only a few rounds to machine guns that hold hundreds of rounds. Since the magazine is an essential part of most repeating firearms, they are often subject to regulation by gun control laws seeking to limit the number of cartridges they hold.

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magazine_(firearm)

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Clip (ammunition)

A clip is a device that is used to store multiple rounds of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the magazine of a repeating firearm. This speeds up the process of loading the firearm as several rounds can be loaded at once, rather than one round being loaded at a time. Several different types of clips exist, most of which are made of inexpensive metal stampings that are designed to be disposable, though they are often re-used.

The term clip is commonly but erroneously used to describe a firearm magazine. A clip is used to feed a magazine, while a magazine or a belt is used to load cartridges into the chamber of a firearm.[1]

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clip_(ammunition)

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"Everything2: Clip vs. Magazine"
by Ashley Pomeroy
Clip vs. magazine@Everything2.com
Note: This is a complete and detailed history of the subject matter.
If you are allergic to reading then either do not click or take a Claritin.

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Clips are not Magazines!
Don't expose yourself to ridicule as a gun goof by misusing terms
The Gun Zone -- Primer on Clips and Magazines

- Janq

jeephipwr · May 2, 2009

Please send this to every reporter and book author in the world. Amazing how many get this confused. Of course, ignorance can be fixed, stupid is forever.

bhaz413 · May 10, 2009

I always called a "Mag" a "clip", thinking it was the thing, different name. I stand corrected, great post!

Free American · May 10, 2009

Thank you Janq!!!!!!!!!! This is probably my BIGGEST pet peeve...

rstickle · May 10, 2009

When I was a lot younger there was a real simple explanation...... "A mag is something you keep to use over, a clip is use once and toss away!" And that always seemed to hold true.

Now this was from a WWII vet thinking along a combat situation, and not in todays use it over and over world, but my Uncle only had to tell that to me one time and it stuck!

OPFOR · May 10, 2009

You're doing God's work, Janq. It's probably futile, but thanks for trying.

smotta · May 10, 2009

Definitely a huge pet peeve. Send this to the majority of TV producers and Movie directors while you're at it...

United93 · May 10, 2009

+1 opfor

OPFOR · May 12, 2009

Just for those that may have missed this yesterday (and your entire lives...you know who you are)! :wink:

OPFOR · May 13, 2009

Bump... I've seen two mis-uses since this thread was on the first page...lol

A Primer: Differences in appearance and function between a 'Clip' and a 'Magazine'

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