When it comes to the 1911, there are many different parts and components that contribute to its reliability and performance. One such component is the magazine follower. This small piece is responsible for controlling the movement of the ammunition as it is loaded into and ejected from the magazine. There are several different types of magazine followers available for the 1911, each with its own unique features and benefits.
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Standard Follower: The standard 1911 magazine follower is a simple design that has been used for decades. It is a basic, one-piece follower that is made of metal or polymer. It is reliable and affordable, but does not offer any special features or benefits.
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Self-Lubricating Follower: Some aftermarket followers are designed to be self-lubricating, which helps to reduce friction and improve reliability. These followers may be made of materials like polymer or Teflon, and may also feature a non-stick coating to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.
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Hybrid Follower: Hybrid magazine followers are designed to offer the best of both worlds - the reliability of a metal follower with the benefits of a polymer follower. These followers typically feature a metal core with a polymer outer layer. This design helps to reduce friction and improve reliability, while still offering the durability of a metal follower.
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Anti-Tilt Follower: Anti-tilt followers are designed to prevent the ammunition from tilting or jamming as it is loaded into the magazine. These followers typically have a curved or rounded shape that helps to guide the ammunition smoothly into the magazine, preventing jams and misfeeds.
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High-Visibility Follower: High-visibility magazine followers are designed to make it easier to see when the magazine is empty. These followers may be made of brightly colored materials like orange or red, or may feature a window or indicator that shows the shooter when the magazine is empty.
The magazine follower is an important component of the 1911 magazine, and choosing the right follower can help improve reliability and performance. Whether you choose a standard follower, a self-lubricating follower, a hybrid follower, an anti-tilt follower, or a high-visibility follower, be sure to choose a quality product from a reputable manufacturer. With the right magazine follower, your 1911 will be more reliable and perform better, both on the range and in the field.
