Are You a Magazine Snob?

Are you a magazine snob?

Magazines and [Stripper] Clips

At Frontier Firearms we have never understood why some shooters make fun of old timers and newbies who mistakenly call "magazines" "clips". In fact, we cringe when we see posts and photos of clips and magazines with snide or cute captions demanding everyone know the difference. 

We feel that if magazine snobs took a moment to think about why so many folks refer to magazines as clips, they wouldn't be so quick to ridicule.

Indeed, the first time large numbers of Americans were introduced to repeating firearms was during WWI and then WWII. During these wars our Doughboys and then GI's fought with arms like stripper clip-fed '03 Springfields or clip-fed M1 Garands.

After the wars veterans came home with the knowledge that one reloaded with a clip. Thus, anything holding ammo for reloading was called a clip. The Vets passed the terminology down to their son's and to many a clip is still the name of something that holds ammo for loading and reloading.

To the day of his death my Grandfather Rex Dudley Williams (Tellico Plains, TN) who fought in WWI called a magazine was a clip . The same was true for my Great Uncle Rass Smith (Knoxville, TN) who fought his way to Burma and back in WWII.

Soon this debate will be over and gun-snobs won't need to worry about magazines being called clips because the Vets of our Greatest Generation who carried the term "clip" home with them from distant and foreign battles and their son's will be little more than fading memories. 

Anyway, that's why at Frontier Firearms we never make fun of folks who use the term clip when they mean magazine. In fact when we hear the mistake, instead of ridiculing or correcting, we pause and give silent thanks to those who fought for our freedom without ever learning or caring about the difference between a magazine and clip.

Frontier Firearms Voted Best of the Best 2015

Frontier Firearms in Kingston, TN voted Best of the Best by the readers of CityView in Knoxville, TN. in the gun store category.  

Frontier Firearms known by many as the "family friendly" store has earned a favored spot in the hearts of East Tennessee shooters and gun buyers.  On any given day one will see men, women, and even their children enjoying the hospitality while sipping free coffee and nibbling pretzels and snacks from the old fashioned candy jars at Frontier.  One doesn't' have to look are to find great deals and the resident cats playing over head or behind the counters.

Founder and owner Brant Williams said he is honored by the vote of confidence from the people of the greater Knoxville area.  "In the 15 years we've been in business, we've had our ups and down, but one thing has remained constant - our tremendous customer base. Our customers put us put us where we are today."

And where Frontier is today is a long way from the 20ft x 20ft room it shared with a campground office when it opened in 2000.  "Back then everyone, and I mean everyone told me we would never make it....  And you know if not for a handful of good friends they may have been correct," reminisced Williams.

Today Frontier Firearms occupies a 12,000 custom building including an indoor gun range, shooters' lounge, classrooms and gun and accessory showroom.

When asked what he is most proud of regarding his business, Williams stated, "Our staff and all the great young men and women who have worked with us over the years. Without their dedication Frontier would still be in that 20x20 room.  I am also especially proud of the fact that we have helped thousands of Tennesseans exercise their 2nd Amendment Rights."

Williams says when Frontier began teaching the Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit Class the going rate was $75 to $150 per class, "We thought that was too expensive and for many put the cost of obtaining a Handgun Carry Permit out of reach."  Thus, Frontier Firearms became the first state certified handgun safety school to offer the Handgun Carry Permit class for less than $50.  Continuing Williams stated, "Since we lowered the price of permit classes all but a few of the most selfish instructors have cut their prices. This means more people can afford the class - not just at Frontier but other places as well."

In addition, Williams says Frontier offers scholarships (free class) to those in need and student/educator tickets for only $40.

With the company's emphasis on customer service, friendly atmosphere and a commitment to 2nd Amendment rights, it is no wonder Frontier Firearms was vote Best of the Best.  Congratulations Frontier Firearms.

Gun shop selling Christian Carry Pins - Frontier Firearms