The difference between a magazine and a clip

In shooting terminology, the words «magazine» and «clip» are often used as synonyms. In fact, these are two fundamentally different elements that perform different functions in the process of loading a firearm. Every shooter should understand the difference between these concepts, because it is as basic as understanding how to aim correctly at a shooting range. So let’s figure out what exactly distinguishes a clip from a magazine and why these elements are needed.

What is a magazine for a weapon?

A magazine — is an element of a weapon designed to store cartridges and automatically feed them into the chamber during firing. It is from the magazine that ammunition is fed into the barrel in turn after each shot, which allows for rapid and continuous firing.

Constructively, the magazine consists of several main parts:

• housing;
• spring;
• feeder;
• cover.

The cartridges are placed inside the housing, the spring creates pressure that lifts them up, and the feeder lifts the cartridges to the feed line, from where they enter the chamber during reloading.

Magazines can be removable or built-in. Removable models are used in most modern pistols, carbines, and rifles, since they can be quickly replaced with another loaded magazine. Built-in magazines are more common in hunting rifles or some classic weapons.

What are the types of weapon magazines?

Weapon magazines differ in design, capacity, and installation method. They are most often divided by the type of weapon for which they are intended.

Pistol magazines

Pistol magazines have a compact shape and small capacity (from 7 to 17 rounds). In most modern models, they are removable and installed in the pistol grip. The cartridges in such magazines can be arranged in one or two rows.

Rifle magazines

Rifle magazines can be removable or built-in. Hunting models more often use built-in magazines that are loaded manually or using clips. They usually hold from 3 to 10 rounds. In modern sporting and hunting rifles, detachable box models are more often used. They allow you to quickly replace an empty magazine with a loaded one and greatly simplify the process of reloading the weapon.

Magazines for assault rifles and carbines

Magazines for assault rifles and carbines have an increased capacity and a durable design, as they are designed for intensive shooting. The most common is the box type with a capacity of 20 or 30 rounds, which is installed in the lower part of the receiver. In addition, drum or disc magazines are sometimes used for assault weapons, which can hold significantly more cartridges. However, they are used less often, as they increase the weight of the weapon and can affect its balance.

What is a clip?

A clip is an auxiliary device used to quickly load cartridges into a weapon’s magazine. To do this, it is installed in a special groove or guide, after which the cartridges are sent to the magazine. The element is then either manually extracted or automatically ejected.

Clips were widely used in 20th-century military small arms with built-in magazines. Today, they are used less often, as most modern pistols, rifles, and carbines are equipped with detachable box magazines.

Types of magazine clips

Clips are divided into two types based on their design and method of use — disposable and reusable.

Disposable

Disposable clips are designed for single use. Most often, they are made of plastic, thin metal, or cardboard. They are filled with cartridges once at the factory or manually before use. After the cartridges have been sent to the gun store, such a clip is disposed of, as it is not designed for reuse.

Reusable

Reusable clips can be reused. After loading the gun, they are removed, after which they can be filled with cartridges again. Such clips are made of metal or durable polymer, which allows them to withstand many loading cycles.

What is the difference between a clip and a magazine?

Using the words «clip» or «magazine», not everyone fully understands the difference between them, as these concepts are often equated. However, these are different elements with their own purpose and role in the operation of the weapon. The only thing they have in common is that both are used when loading ammunition. This is where their similarity actually ends.

A magazine — is a full-fledged element of the weapon. It is designed to store cartridges and feed them into the chamber during firing. Inside the magazine there is a spring and a feeder, which ensure the consistent feed of cartridges after each shot. During firing, the magazine remains installed in the weapon and directly participates in the operation of the mechanism.

The magazine, on the other hand, is not part of the weapon during firing. Its main task is to simplify and speed up the process of loading cartridges into the magazine. It only holds the cartridges in the correct order, but does not have a spring or other feeding mechanisms. After loading, the magazine is pulled out manually or it is automatically thrown back.

Rules for the care and storage of magazines and magazines

The magazine and magazine must be properly cared for, because the stability of the cartridge feed, and therefore the effectiveness of the weapon itself, depends on their condition. After each use of the combat unit in the shooting range, on the shooting range or on the hunt, these elements should be cleaned of dust, dirt and grease residues. To do this, use a soft brush, lint-free wipes and special products for cleaning weapon parts. In the stores, it is additionally necessary to check the condition of the spring, feeder and the inner surface of the housing to avoid delays during shooting.

Proper storage is also important. Stores and clips should be kept separate from the weapon in a dry and protected place. A gun safe, special cabinet or closed box is best suited for this. To prevent scratches and mechanical damage, it is advisable to store the elements in separate containers or cases. It is also not recommended to leave the magazines loaded with cartridges for a long time, as this can gradually weaken its spring.