The Differences Between a Clip & Magazine

The Differences Between a Clip & Magazine

Jun 17th 2022

When it comes to firearms, there are a lot of important distinctions to make between the parts and components. Two of the most commonly confused terms are "clip" and "magazine." Some people use them interchangeably, but there are some important differences between them! This blog post will discuss the difference between a clip and a magazine and what you need to know about each.

Gun clips vs. magazines

A magazine is a device that holds rounds of ammunition in place so they can be fed into the chamber of a firearm. Clips are devices used to load magazines. In other words, the difference between a clip and a magazineis that a magazine is used to store ammunition in a firearm that you typically see in movies, while clips are what actually feeds the magazine.

There are two types of magazines: detachable and internal. Detachable magazines can be removed from the firearm entirely, while internal magazines are fixed in place. The majority of handguns have internal/ detachable magazines, while most rifles have external/ detachable ones.

There are also two primary types of clips: stripper clips and en-bloc clips. Stripper clips are used to load detachable magazines, while en bloc clips are used to load internal magazines.

Gun clips and magazines in action

When you think of a gun clip, you might picture an old-fashioned design from World War II. A clip is a thin piece of metal with a spring that holds cartridges in place. The magazine then feeds the cartridges into the chamber. In older designs, the magazine was not removable. Older firearm designs, like the M1 Garand used in WWII, had non-removable magazines that were fed by clips.

Now clips are much less common because we've figured out how to engineer removable magazines. This offers many benefits, such as being able to switch out a magazine quickly if it runs out of ammo. It's also easier to clean a removable magazine. Most modern semi-automatic rifles utilize a detachable box magazine because reloading is much faster. Detachable magazines are easy to transport too. The AR-15, Ruger 10/22, and AK platforms are all examples of rifles that use a detachable magazine. So, if you're ever thinking about buying a gun, make sure you know the difference between a clip and a magazine.

Also, invest in magazine rebuild kits! They're a must-have for any gun owner because you never know when you might need them. They contain all of the parts and components for your AK-47s, AR-10s, AR-15s, and more that you need to repair or replace a magazine. That way, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to use one, you will be prepared.

Black pistol disassembled

How to choose the best type of clip or magazine for your needs

Now that you know the difference between a clip and a magazine, you might be wondering how to choose the best type of clip or magazine for your needs. Keep the following in mind:

  • The type of firearm you are using: some firearms are designed to use specific types of clips or magazines. The most popular brands are Beretta, Kel-Tec, and Smith & Wesson. Make sure you know which one your firearm takes before making a purchase.
  • The size of the clip or magazine: some clips and magazines can only hold a certain number of rounds. Make sure you choose one that is the right size for your needs.
  • Your level of experience: if you are a beginner, you might want to choose a clip or magazine that is easier to load and unload.
  • The availability: depending on where you live, some types of clips or magazines might be more difficult to find than others. Make sure you can find the type you need before making a purchase.

Brass colored bullets outside magazine

Here's an easy way to remember the difference between a clip and a magazine: think of TV or radio clips. A clip is a short snippet, and a magazine is a whole video. You can add clips together to create a full video.

When it comes to guns, a clip is what you use to load a magazine with cartridges. The magazine is then inserted into the gun. Magazines can be detachable or built into the gun. Either way, they hold rounds of ammunition that are fed into the chamber to be fired.

Do you have any questions about the differences between a clip and a magazine? Contact us and we’ll get you the info you need!