Magazine Vs. Clip: They Are Not The Same

As much as some shooters act like it, nobody comes out of the womb with vast gun knowledge. We all had to start somewhere, learning how to shoot and understanding various firearm terminology. 

With Hollywood often incorrectly portraying and discussing firearms, it’s not uncommon for people who are unfamiliar with firearms to be led astray. 

Enter the topic of clip vs. magazine. Some gun enthusiasts are so triggered by the common misuse of the term clip; you would think someone just called their grandmother a “insert derogatory name here.” 

Clip and magazine are often used interchangeably, but they are technically two completely different products. 

Let’s discuss the differences so you’re armed with the correct terminology next time a debate pops up among your friends.

What is a Magazine? 

In simple terms, a magazine is a device that holds ammunition and feeds it into a firearm’s chamber. Most popular modern guns, such as AR-15s, semi-automatic pistols like Glocks, and AK-47s, utilize magazines. 

Box Magazine

The box magazine is the most common. It is usually detachable. However, some firearms, like the M1 Garand, utilize an internal and non-removable magazine.

Detachable Magazine

Ah, the wonderful detachable box magazine. These are removed from the firearm, loaded, and then re-inserted. You can carry and store these magazines fully loaded to arm yourself with additional defensive rounds or simply save time reloading at the range. 

Detachable magazines make reloading quick and easy, whether you load them by hand or with help from a mag loader. 

Your classic Magpul PMAGs, OEM Glock mags, and even drum mags are all examples of detachable magazines.

Internal Magazine

As the name suggests, these box magazines are found inside the firearm and cannot be removed. They still store and feed ammunition, but you won’t be able to carry a spare or have any strategically placed around the house. 

Tubular Magazine

While a tubular magazine is also considered internal, its shape and way of loading differentiate it from the internal box magazine. The rounds are still loaded one at a time, but they are held in a cylindrical-shaped magazine. 

For example, these magazines are often found on lever-action rifles and pump-action shotguns.

What is a Clip?

A clip is a device that holds several rounds of ammunition together and allows the user to load them at once, whether into a detachable magazine or a firearm’s internal magazine. 

Stripper Clip

You’ve likely seen these before, regardless of whether you knew what they were at the time.

Stripper clips hold several rounds in a single line and can quickly load certain detachable box magazines or be loaded directly into the firearm’s internal magazine. The clip is removed after loading is complete.

En Bloc Clip

The en bloc clip is an interesting one. These cannot be used to load detachable magazines. Instead, the cartridges are loaded into it, and then the entire clip is loaded into the rifle’s fixed magazine. 

The M1 Garand is an example of a firearm that uses an en bloc clip.

Moon Clip

Revolvers. Moon clips are only used with revolvers. 

The moon clip is a circular device that holds ammunition and remains in a revolver when the gun is used. 

They aren’t extremely popular, though, as speedloaders are quicker and easier to use. Speedloaders do not remain in the gun, so you can have your next set of rounds ready to go.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, most people will know what you mean, whether you say magazine or clip, when referring to a standard detachable magazine. However, knowing the difference is important, especially if you utilize both.

Lastly, don’t be that person who makes someone feel like crap for using the wrong term, especially if they are not doing so just to ruffle feathers. 

As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.