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

Janq · May 1st, 2009, 06:43 PM

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)

Quote:

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)

Quote:

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 2nd, 2009, 10:23 AM

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 9th, 2009, 09:08 PM

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

Free American · May 10th, 2009, 11:26 AM

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

rstickle · May 10th, 2009, 11:38 AM

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 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM

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

smotta · May 10th, 2009, 04:18 PM

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

United93 · May 10th, 2009, 06:32 PM

+1 opfor

OPFOR · May 11th, 2009, 09:03 PM

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

OPFOR · May 13th, 2009, 05:28 PM

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

May 2nd, 2009, 10:23 AM	#2
jeephipwr Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Little Rock Posts: 459	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. __________________ "That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's cottage is the symbol of democracy. it is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

May 10th, 2009, 11:26 AM	#4
Free American Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 703	Thank you Janq!!!!!!!!!! This is probably my BIGGEST pet peeve... __________________ They who give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin Previously known as "cjm5874"

May 10th, 2009, 11:38 AM	#5
rstickle Senior Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Laurel, MD Posts: 12,739	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! __________________ Rick EOD - Initial success or total failure

May 10th, 2009, 04:11 PM	#6
OPFOR VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC, for the moment Posts: 2,760	You're doing God's work, Janq. It's probably futile, but thanks for trying. __________________ "It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner. That is the way it was and will be. That way and not some other way."

May 10th, 2009, 04:18 PM	#7
smotta Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: FL Posts: 233	Definitely a huge pet peeve. Send this to the majority of TV producers and Movie directors while you're at it... __________________ "In God we trust, as for the rest of you... keep your hands where I can see them" - Unknown

May 9th, 2009, 09:08 PM	#3
bhaz413 Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Goodyear az Posts: 32	I always called a "Mag" a "clip", thinking it was the thing, different name. I stand corrected, great post!

May 10th, 2009, 06:32 PM	#8
United93 Ex Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 912	+1 opfor

May 11th, 2009, 09:03 PM	#9
OPFOR VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC, for the moment Posts: 2,760	Just for those that may have missed this yesterday (and your entire lives...you know who you are)! __________________ "It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner. That is the way it was and will be. That way and not some other way."

May 13th, 2009, 05:28 PM	#10
OPFOR VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: DC, for the moment Posts: 2,760	Bump... I've seen two mis-uses since this thread was on the first page...lol __________________ "It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War was always here. Before man was, war waited for him. The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner. That is the way it was and will be. That way and not some other way."

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