Clip (firearms)

A clip can reference a device that is used to store multiple rounds of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the magazine or cylinder of a firearm. This speeds up the process of loading and reloading 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. A true firearms ammo clip has no moving parts and is made of stamped spring steel. Detachable magazines are often referred to as clips, but this is inaccurate. What some call a clip is really a magazine because it has four parts: a spring, a spring follower, a body, and a base.

A stripper clip or charger is a speed-loader that holds several cartridges together in a single unit for easier loading of a firearm's magazine. A stripper clip is used only for loading the magazine and is not necessary for the firearm to function. It is called a 'stripper' clip because, after the bolt is opened and the stripper clip is placed in position (generally by placing it in a slot on either the receiver or bolt), the cartridges are pressed down, thereby 'stripping' them off the stripper clip and into the magazine. The clip is then either removed and tossed away, or the bolt is thrown forward, expending the clip without the need of prior removal. A few examples of designs that allow for stripper clip use include the Mauser C96, Lee-Enfield, Mosin-Nagant, SKS and the Vz. 58. Detachable magazines may also be loaded with stripper clips, provided they have a special guide attached, such as an M14 or an M16.

Several rifle designs utilize an en bloc clip to load the firearm. With this design, both the cartridges and the clip are inserted as a unit into a fixed magazine within the rifle, and the clip is usually ejected or falls from the rifle upon firing or chambering of the last round. The en bloc clip was invented by Ferdinand Mannlicher for use in his Model 1885 and Model 1888 rifle

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