Metal Follower -- Steel or Aluminum???

[Guyon]

Planning to pick up a couple of metal magazine followers from Brownells. I see that they offer both stainless steel and aluminum followers for the 12 gauge. Only a buck difference in price.

Any advantages / disadvantages to either of these?

[Badger Arms]

Go with steel. It lasts longer. More abrasion resistant.

[Dave McCracken]

The aluminum and plastic ones have one small advantage in heavily used 870s. With a steel follower, the follower can peen the stop at the base of the mag tube where it joins the receiver.

I haven't seen this yet myself, but it's in Kuhnhausen.

[Guyon]

Hmmm...

Interesting point Dave. Well, one is for an 1100 that, during dove season, sees quite a few rounds down the tube. The other is for an 870 turkey gun that might see three or four shots per season.

Maybe steel for the 870 and aluminum for the 1100?

[Dave McCracken]

Your call. I've yet to see any problems with any 870 followers.