Breaking down common misconceptions about this terminology

In the world of firearms and other accessories, terminology can often be confusing, especially with the way Hollywood and the video game industry use terms and words that may not be real in the firearms community. Two terms that are frequently misused are ‘clip’ and ‘magazine.’

While they are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in movies and TV, they refer to distinct components of a firearm, whether you are discussing your pistol, rifle, shotgun, or whatever. But what exactly are the key differences between clips and magazines?

This article from our team of experts at Guerrilla Tactical will explain the key differences between a clip and a magazine, their purposes, and their importance in firearm operation. Understanding these differences is crucial for both novice and experienced firearm owners.

What is a Clip?

A clip is a simple device designed to hold multiple rounds of ammunition together. It is primarily used to load these rounds into a firearm’s magazine or directly into its chamber. Clips are typically used to streamline the reloading process, making it quicker and more efficient. There are various types of clips, including en-bloc clips, stripper clips, and moon clips, each suited to specific firearm models.

Types of Clips:

• En-Bloc Clips: Used in rifles like the M1 Garand, en-bloc clips are inserted directly into the firearm, holding the rounds in place until they are chambered.
• Stripper Clips: Commonly used for bolt-action rifles, stripper clips allow for quick loading into an internal magazine by sliding rounds off the clip and into the firearm.
• Moon Clips: Designed for revolvers, moon clips hold multiple rounds together and facilitate faster reloading.

What is a Magazine?

A magazine is a device that stores and feeds ammunition directly into the firearm’s chamber. Magazines can be internal (fixed) or external (detachable). Most modern firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, utilize detachable box magazines for faster reloading, and many people who carry concealed will have a magazine carrier with them to hold an extra one.

Magazines are more complex than clips, featuring a spring and follower mechanism that moves the rounds upward for loading. The design also often includes features like witness holes to check the remaining ammunition and removable floorplates for easy maintenance.

Types of Magazines:

• Box Magazines: Common in pistols and rifles, detachable box magazines are easy to reload and swap out.
• Drum Magazines: Offering higher capacity, drum magazines are often used in submachine guns or rifles.
• Tubular Magazines: Typically found in lever-action and pump-action firearms, tubular magazines store rounds in a linear fashion under the barrel.

Key Differences Between Clips and Magazines

• Function: A clip holds and feeds ammunition into a magazine, while a magazine feeds ammunition directly into the firearm’s chamber.
• Design: Clips are simple metal devices without mechanical components, whereas magazines are equipped with springs and followers to facilitate reliable feeding.
• Application: Clips are generally used in older military rifles or revolvers, while magazines are common in modern firearms.

Common Misconceptions

One common mistake is referring to a magazine as a ‘clip.’ While both are ammunition holders, their functions are distinct. Using the correct terminology is important for clear communication, especially in scenarios involving firearm safety. For example, saying “I need another clip” when you actually mean a magazine can lead to confusion during training or emergencies.

Recommended Magazine for Everyday Carry: OEM Glock Mag

If you’re looking for a reliable magazine for your everyday carry (EDC) pistol, the OEM Glock Mag is an excellent choice, available directly on Guerrilla Tactical’s website. There are so many aftermarket Glock mags available, like the PMAGs available from MagPul, but we’ve found OEM mags to be the all around most trustworthy. These mags are available in 15 and 17-round variants for 9mm double stack Glocks.

• Price: $15.50
• Capacity: OEM 19 holds 15 rounds; OEM 17 holds 17 rounds
• Compatibility: Designed for Glock 9mm handguns, compatible with both full-size and compact models

Features:

• The G17 and G19 magazines are Gen 4 but will be compatible with Gen 3-5 models
• The G17 magazine holds 17 rounds
• The G19 magazine holds 15 rounds
• The G17 size magazine will work for G34/45 pistols
• Constructed of hardened metal encased in durable polymer
• High-tech polymer protects against deformation, even when dropped from a great height
• High-quality spring and follower ensures reliable feeding
• Viewing windows allow an accurate count of remaining rounds

Why Choose OEM Glock Magazines?

You cannot go wrong with OEM Glock magazines, as they are designed to withstand harsh conditions, providing consistent performance in self-defense, competition, and training scenarios. With a lightweight, corrosion-resistant build and user-friendly features, these magazines are an ideal choice for everyday carry.

Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or an experienced marksman, investing in high-quality magazines like the OEM Glock Mag ensures your firearm functions smoothly when it matters most.

The Best AR-15 Magazines

Now while we are on the subject of the “clips vs. magazines” terminology, we may as well discuss the best AR-15 magazines. While we love our OEM Glock Magazines, the Magpul AR mags are our favorite. The PMAG 30 GEN M3 Window is a next-generation 30-round 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Remington) polymer magazine designed for AR15/M4 compatible firearms. It features transparent windows for quick visual confirmation of the remaining round count. Built with advanced materials and manufacturing processes, the GEN M3 offers exceptional strength, durability, and reliability, surpassing military performance standards.

Key enhancements include a redesigned bolt catch notch for improved bolt catch clearance and an over-travel stop on the spine to prevent over-insertion. For better handling and control, the GEN M3 boasts low-profile ribs and aggressive front and rear texturing. A paint pen dot matrix on the bottom panel makes user identification easy.

The flared floorplate facilitates faster magazine extraction and provides improved drop protection while maintaining compatibility with tight double and triple magazine pouches.

The dual-side transparent windows, combined with a high-visibility indicator coil and numerical markers on the body, provide rapid and accurate round count verification using the MagLevel® system. This intuitive design ensures durability and reliability without compromise.

Check out the full review here.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a clip and a magazine is essential for responsible firearm ownership. Clips are used to load ammunition into a magazine, while magazines feed ammo directly into a firearm’s chamber. By using the correct terms, you can communicate more effectively about firearms.

When selecting a magazine for your EDC pistol, consider the Magpul Glock PMAG for its unbeatable reliability and affordability. Head over to Guerrilla Tactical’s website to get yours today!

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