First Impressions of Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun is a seemingly small upgrade that promises enhanced reliability and safety for your shotgun. This isn’t your typical flashy accessory, but rather a practical component designed to replace the often-underwhelming factory follower. I was immediately drawn to the promise of improved smoothness and the added visual indicator for an empty magazine tube, features that address common concerns for shotgun owners.
I was after a more reliable and visible follower for my aging Remington 870. The factory plastic follower felt cheap and I’d heard stories of them cracking or binding. The allure of a self-cleaning, high-visibility upgrade from Strike Industries was too strong to resist.
Upon unboxing, the Strike Industries Magazine Follower immediately impressed me with its solid construction. The anodized aluminum felt significantly more robust than the factory plastic follower it was intended to replace. The spiral fluting was clean and precise. I appreciated the attention to detail, even on such a small part. Compared to the factory follower and a few aftermarket polymer options I’ve handled, the Strike Industries follower felt like a substantial upgrade in material quality and design. I chose this follower over others primarily due to the Strike Industries reputation for quality and the positive user feedback regarding smooth operation.
My initial impression was definitely positive. It felt like a well-engineered and durable component that could genuinely improve my shotgun’s reliability and safety. It was a pleasant surprise to see such quality in a part priced so affordably. I was eager to put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun at my local shooting range, primarily using my Remington 870 with an extended magazine tube. I put it through a mix of target loads and heavier buckshot. The weather was fairly mild and dry.
The follower performed flawlessly right out of the gate. Loading shells was noticeably smoother compared to the factory follower, and I experienced zero issues with feeding or cycling. The high-visibility color (I opted for the Red/REDLINE version) made it incredibly easy to visually confirm an empty magazine tube, even in less-than-ideal lighting. There were no unexpected surprises, just a smooth and reliable improvement over the original part.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple range sessions and a few outings for informal clay shooting, the Strike Industries Magazine Follower continues to perform exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the follower itself. The anodized finish has held up perfectly, and the spiral fluting remains clean, indicating effective self-cleaning.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent; a quick wipe-down during regular shotgun cleaning is all it requires. The Strike Industries follower has significantly outperformed the original plastic follower in terms of reliability and smoothness. I have complete confidence in its ability to function flawlessly under various conditions. I’ve experienced no hiccups or malfunctions related to the follower.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun
Specifications
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum. This provides exceptional strength and durability while keeping the weight down.
It is designed as a drop-in replacement for factory followers in several popular shotgun models. These include the Stoeger M3000, Mossberg Model 930, Mossberg Model 590, Mossberg Model 500, Remington Model 11-87, Remington Model 1100, and Remington Model 870.
The follower is available in three anodized color options: Hi-Vis SI FDE/FDELINE, Red/REDLINE, and TITAN EDITION. The high-visibility colors aid in quickly visually confirming an empty magazine tube.
The design features spiral fluting. This promotes self-cleaning by channeling debris away from the magazine tube walls.
The advertised price is $12.95. This makes it an extremely affordable upgrade.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the follower’s reliability, durability, and ease of use. The 6061-T6 aluminum ensures longevity. The self-cleaning design minimizes malfunctions. And the high-visibility colors enhance safety.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun excels at its primary function: ensuring smooth and reliable feeding of shotgun shells. The spiral fluting design effectively prevents debris buildup, resulting in consistent performance even after extended use. The high-visibility color makes it easy to visually confirm an empty magazine tube, a crucial safety feature.
The follower’s primary strength lies in its enhanced reliability compared to factory plastic followers. However, the design of spiral flutes may not be very effective with extremely muddy conditions. Overall, it significantly exceeds expectations for such a simple and inexpensive upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower boasts a simple yet effective design. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction provides a robust and durable feel. The spiral fluting not only aids in self-cleaning but also contributes to a smooth gliding action within the magazine tube.
The follower is incredibly user-friendly. Installation is a breeze, requiring no special tools or gunsmithing skills. There’s virtually no learning curve involved. It simply replaces the factory follower and immediately improves performance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower is built to last. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction and anodized finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper care and maintenance of the shotgun itself, the follower should easily last for many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe-down with a cleaning cloth during routine shotgun maintenance is all that’s required. No specialized tools or cleaning solutions are necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower itself doesn’t require any additional accessories. It’s a standalone upgrade designed to enhance the performance of your existing shotgun. However, it pairs well with other Strike Industries accessories. Such as their enhanced magazine tube extensions or other shotgun components.
Because it is made to standard shotgun dimensions, it’s compatible with most magazine tube extensions. It is also designed to work with various shell carriers on the market.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun
Pros
- Enhanced Reliability: The aluminum construction and spiral fluting provide smoother and more consistent feeding compared to factory plastic followers.
- Improved Safety: The high-visibility color options make it easy to visually confirm an empty magazine tube, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
- Durable Construction: Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with an anodized finish for long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: A simple drop-in replacement that requires no special tools or gunsmithing.
- Affordable Upgrade: An inexpensive way to improve the performance and safety of your shotgun.
Cons
- The spiral flutes may not be very effective in extremely muddy or sandy conditions.
- It may not fit all aftermarket magazine tube extensions (although most are compatible).
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun?
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun is perfect for shotgun owners looking to improve the reliability and safety of their firearms. It’s an excellent upgrade for anyone who uses their shotgun for home defense, hunting, or recreational shooting. It is also a good choice for tactical shooters.
This product might not be necessary for those who rarely use their shotgun or are completely satisfied with the performance of their factory follower. However, even in those cases, the improved visibility is a nice safety upgrade.
A must-have accessory to go along with this would be a magazine tube extension to take full advantage of the enhanced feeding. A quality gun cleaning kit is also useful to maintain the shotgun and the follower itself.
Conclusion on Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun
The Strike Industries Magazine Follower for 12 Gauge Shotgun is a simple yet highly effective upgrade that delivers on its promises. It’s well-built, easy to install, and significantly improves the reliability and safety of your shotgun. At a price point of $12.95, it offers exceptional value for money.
The price is absolutely justified given the enhanced reliability, safety, and durability it provides. This is especially true when considering the price of shotgun shells.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Strike Industries Magazine Follower to any shotgun owner looking for a reliable and affordable upgrade. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shotgun’s performance and your peace of mind. Upgrade your shotgun today and experience the difference!