Clips and magazines are not the same, even though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably (and with annoying frequency). A magazine is a device that stores ammunition and feeds it into a firearm’s chamber via the mechanism of the action. A magazine can either be integral to the design of the firearm or it can be detachable. A clip, by contrast, is a device that stores ammunition externally, facilitating feeding it into internal magazines. Some firearms with fixed internal mags can be more easily loaded with clips than they can be by hand.
Yet, for better or for worse many people refer to magazines and clips by the same names, which may make it confusing when you’re looking for one because they are not, in fact, the same.
Nonetheless, they’re both components that have the potential to wear out; here are some signs you might need to look for a new clip or gun magazine. If you experience any of the following issues, your next search should be for clips and magazines for sale.
Magazine Consistently Won’t Feed the Final Round
It’s not a crippling problem when a firearm’s detachable magazine does not feed the final round of ammunition into the chamber, but it can be a safety concern. Most of the time it will just result in the firing ending before you expected it to. It can also be caused by weak springs, cracked or deformed followers, or magazines that don’t seat properly. Any of these issues can be fixed by replacing the magazine.
Feeding Is Unreliable at Best
A bigger problem is when the magazine has started to feed unreliably. Unreliable feeding can significantly slow down the operation of a semi-automatic firearm and depending on why the magazine won’t feed, it can cripple repeaters too. Some mags that don’t feed properly also push the rounds up at odd angles, causing the nose of the bullet to hang up on the edge of the chamber and get deformed, which hurts accuracy.
Regardless of the reason the mag won’t feed, if that happens, it’s time to replace it.
Mag Will Not Seat Properly
Magazines that won’t seat properly may have all of their internals intact, but if they don’t seat properly, they also won’t feed properly. Inspect the mag and see if there are any damaged external components that can be fixed before replacing it with a new unit.
The Follower Is Missing or the Feed Lips Are Deformed
The mag’s follower, which sits right behind the last bullet, is what ensures the rounds all nest properly in the magazine and then feed smoothly into the chamber. If it’s missing, cracked, or deformed, you probably need a new mag. The same goes for springs that are fatigued or damaged. Feed lips also ensure a similar function and mags with damaged feed lips will not work as smoothly or as reliably. Either of these issues may engender good cause for a replacement.
(If Your Gun Has a Detachable Mag) You Need Extra Capacity
There’s one more good reason you might want to enter a search for clips and magazines for sale, and it has nothing to do with a mag that is going end of life. It has to do with capacity. If your gun takes an external mag, you can increase the capacity with a larger magazine; if not, and it feeds from a clip, you can spend less time loading at the range bench when you pick up some new clips and load them ahead of time.
Visit Sarco, Inc.
Looking for a good deal on a new mag or just for clips that are compatible with your firearm’s internal mag? Perhaps you’re cultivating an interest in speed loaders? Visit Sarco Inc. at SarcoInc.com and check out their collection – and if you have any questions, give them a call at 610-250-3960.
