FirearmsEnthusiast
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What's the difference between round followers and flat followers in 1911 magazines? Is one better then the other, if so, how?
Round followers vs Flat followers
- Thread starter FirearmsEnthusiast
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FirearmsEnthusiast
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Heyyy, I just noticed that they DO charge more for the round followers on magazines from the same manufacturers!
DaBull
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When looking from the side at the top/front corner of an unloaded magazine, a flat follower looks like a diving board--the plate the cartridges rest on sticks out, although it is sometimes rounded a bit at the very end. ( http://www.cdnninvestments.com/co19go458rds.html ) A rounded follower looks like a cliff--the very end curves down into the magazine. ( http://www.cdnninvestments.com/19458rdnimag.html )
The curved end on the rounded follower ensures the follower does not move forward or back during loading. Some say the flat follower can move forward, and the pointy end might disrupt loading or scratch your feedramp when you try to drop the empty. I haven't experienced this, but perhaps it depends on the maker. I uses cheapo CMC Shooting Stars flat followers with no problem. I also use Novak and MecGar round followers with no problem.
The curved end on the rounded follower ensures the follower does not move forward or back during loading. Some say the flat follower can move forward, and the pointy end might disrupt loading or scratch your feedramp when you try to drop the empty. I haven't experienced this, but perhaps it depends on the maker. I uses cheapo CMC Shooting Stars flat followers with no problem. I also use Novak and MecGar round followers with no problem.
collector rob
Member
The link below will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about 1911 mags and how different followers, and mag lips affect feeding
http://how-i-did-it.org/magazines/index.html
http://how-i-did-it.org/magazines/index.html
JTQ
Member
DaBull
You are not describing a rounded follower. Both of the models you depicted and your description are of flat followers. The difference between the two you listed is the leading edge of the follower. The round vs flat refers to the top of the follower, the part that makes contact with case (of the loaded round).
Along with the above link, take a look at the Auto Ordnance factory supplied magazine with rounded follower vs the flat follower in this link.
http://ezine.m1911.org/AO1911A1.htm
Not many recommend the round follower (or even build them for that matter), though I think Jerry Kuhnhausen may in his Vol 1. Because they are so rare it is probably why DaBull may have erred.
You are not describing a rounded follower. Both of the models you depicted and your description are of flat followers. The difference between the two you listed is the leading edge of the follower. The round vs flat refers to the top of the follower, the part that makes contact with case (of the loaded round).
Along with the above link, take a look at the Auto Ordnance factory supplied magazine with rounded follower vs the flat follower in this link.
http://ezine.m1911.org/AO1911A1.htm
Not many recommend the round follower (or even build them for that matter), though I think Jerry Kuhnhausen may in his Vol 1. Because they are so rare it is probably why DaBull may have erred.
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