In a clip applicator having a handle, a magazine mountable on the handle and containing a number of clips, and a movable actuating grip on the handle, which is in direct or indirect engagement with a clip advancing device in the magazine when the magazine is mounted on the handle, to ensure that the coupling between the actuating grip on the handle and the clip advancing device in the magazine is in any event successful when mounting the magazine, it is proposed that a locking device be arranged on the handle for locking when in a lock position the actuating grip in an engagement position in which the engagement with the clip advancing device is able to be made upon mounting the magazine and for releasing the actuating grip when in a release position.