Which part of a firearm is responsible for holding ammunition?

The magazine is the part of a firearm designed specifically for holding ammunition. It serves as a storage component that feeds rounds into the chamber, allowing for the firearm to be fired multiple times without needing to manually reload after each shot. Magazines can be found in various forms, such as detachable magazines that can be removed and replaced, or internal magazines integrated into the firearm.

In contrast, the barrel is the part through which the projectile travels when fired, and it does not store ammunition. The receiver is the framework that houses the operating components of a firearm, including the action, but it is not responsible for holding ammunition directly. The action refers to the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects the cartridges and, while it plays a crucial role in the operation of the firearm, it does not have the function of storing ammunition either. This distinction highlights the essential role of the magazine in ensuring the firearm operates efficiently and effectively.