magazinefed

Magazinefed refers to firearms and related devices that feed ammunition into the chamber from a magazine. In a magazine-fed system, rounds are stored in a magazine, which is inserted into or integrated with the firearm and supplied to the action by a follower and spring as the weapon cycles.

There are two common configurations. Detachable box magazines are removable and widely used in modern rifles, carbines, and many handguns, allowing rapid reloading by swapping magazines. Fixed or internal magazines remain inside the firearm and are loaded through the action or a top-loading mechanism; these may require stripper clips or manual feeding. Other feeding methods, such as belt-fed or drum-fed systems, are not considered magazine-fed, but they exist in other weapon designs.

Examples illustrate the range. The AR-15 and most contemporary rifles use detachable box magazines. The AK-47 uses curved detachable magazines. Some older or specialized rifles have fixed internal magazines, and many bolt-action and early semi-automatic pistols used fixed magazines loaded through the top or via a procedure to insert rounds into an internal well. Handguns commonly use detachable magazines. The term can also apply to non-firearm devices that use magazines to store and feed components, though it is most widely used in a firearms context.

Advantages of magazine-fed systems include faster reloading, the ability to carry multiple magazines, and modularity. Disadvantages can include feeding malfunctions, magazine loss or damage, and the need to maintain compatible magazines with the firearm.

Legal and safety considerations vary by jurisdiction and typically involve magazine capacity limits, ownership restrictions, and standard safe-handling practices.