Let’s Dive into Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility is a simple yet ingenious upgrade for your 12-gauge shotgun. Designed to enhance safety and streamline your reloading process, this small part can make a big difference. It replaces the standard, often-black follower in your shotgun’s magazine tube with a bright neon green one, providing instant visual confirmation of an empty magazine.
What sparked my interest in this unassuming piece of kit was rebuilding a neglected Remington 870 Wingmaster. The original follower, worn and barely visible, highlighted the need for enhanced safety and improved identification of an empty state. The Wilson Combat follower offered a practical and affordable solution.
Upon receiving the Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and robust construction. The neon green polymer is dense and feels durable, inspiring confidence that it would hold up to the rigors of repeated use. It’s lightweight, ensuring it wouldn’t negatively impact the shotgun’s balance or cycling.
Comparing it to generic replacements, the Wilson Combat follower stood out because of the brand’s reputation for quality and attention to detail. Cheaper followers often use flimsy plastics that degrade quickly or lack the smooth finish necessary for reliable feeding. I opted for the Wilson Combat product, expecting superior performance and longevity.
My first impression was one of quiet satisfaction. It’s a small part, but one that promises to add a layer of safety and efficiency. I anticipated that it would address the issue of visually verifying an empty magazine, a critical aspect of firearm safety and tactical awareness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility to the Test
First Use Experience
The first test came during a clay shooting session at my local range. I installed the Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility in my freshly rebuilt Remington 870 and ran several boxes of shells through it. The most immediate benefit was the visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube.
The neon green follower was easily visible in various lighting conditions, even under the bright midday sun. This eliminated any guesswork about whether the shotgun was truly empty, reducing the risk of accidental dry-fires or attempts to chamber a nonexistent round. Installation was straightforward and took only a few minutes with basic tools.
The follower functioned smoothly, with no noticeable impact on the shotgun’s cycling or reliability. It fed rounds consistently and did not exhibit any binding or resistance within the magazine tube.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility continues to perform flawlessly. There are no signs of wear or degradation, despite repeated use and exposure to various cleaning solvents. It remains as bright and easily visible as the day I installed it.
Maintenance is simple – a quick wipe down with a cleaning cloth during routine firearm maintenance is all that’s required. The follower’s smooth surface prevents the buildup of fouling or debris, ensuring consistent performance.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard black followers, the Wilson Combat upgrade is a significant improvement. The enhanced visibility provides a greater sense of security and control, allowing me to focus on shooting without constantly second-guessing the state of my firearm. It outperforms standard followers in every way.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility
Specifications
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility is specifically designed for 12-gauge shotguns. It is compatible with Remington 870, 1100, and 1187 models. The follower is constructed from a durable, high-visibility neon green polymer.
The choice of neon green color is crucial for instant visual identification of an empty magazine tube. Its lightweight design ensures it doesn’t interfere with the shotgun’s cycling or balance.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility excels at its primary function: providing clear visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube. Its smooth, snag-free design ensures reliable feeding and prevents any potential cycling issues. It significantly reduces the risk of accidental dry-fires or attempts to chamber a nonexistent round.
Its main strength is its enhanced visibility, which translates to improved safety and situational awareness. A potential weakness is that the polymer, while durable, could be susceptible to extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals (though I have not experienced this). It meets my expectations and enhances safety.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility features a simple, streamlined design. Its construction from high-quality polymer ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. It feels solid and well-made.
The installation is incredibly user-friendly, requiring only basic tools and minimal mechanical knowledge. There’s virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The follower is designed to withstand years of use with minimal maintenance. A simple wipe-down during routine cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it functioning optimally. The high-quality polymer resists degradation and is resistant to most common cleaning solvents.
It is designed to last the lifetime of the shotgun with proper care. Replacement should only be needed if it is physically damaged.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility is a standalone upgrade and doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality. However, it complements other shotgun upgrades such as extended magazine tubes, enhanced followers, and high-visibility sights.
It is compatible with standard 12-gauge shotgun components and accessories. It does not directly integrate with optics or grips.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility
Pros
- Enhanced Safety: The high-visibility neon green color provides immediate visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube, reducing the risk of accidental dry-fires.
- Improved Situational Awareness: Makes it easier to quickly assess the shotgun’s status in tactical or competitive shooting scenarios.
- Easy Installation: The simple design allows for quick and straightforward installation with basic tools.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality polymer that resists wear and tear.
- Reliable Functionality: Smooth, snag-free design ensures consistent feeding and prevents cycling issues.
Cons
- May not be compatible with all shotgun models (primarily designed for Remington 870, 1100, and 1187).
- Polymer material could be susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals (though not observed in testing).
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility?
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility is perfect for:
- Home defense enthusiasts seeking to enhance the safety and reliability of their shotguns.
- Competitive shooters who need to quickly and easily verify the status of their firearms during matches.
- Hunters who want to improve their situational awareness in the field.
- Anyone rebuilding or upgrading a Remington 870, 1100, or 1187 shotgun.
Who should skip this product? If you are using a shotgun model that is not a Remington 870, 1100, or 1187, then this product is likely not compatible.
Must-have accessories or modifications? An extended magazine tube complements the advantages of the Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility as well as improved sights.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility
The Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility is a small but impactful upgrade that enhances the safety and functionality of any compatible 12-gauge shotgun. Its bright neon green color provides instant visual confirmation of an empty magazine tube, reducing the risk of accidental dry-fires and improving situational awareness.
The price of $7.71 is justified given the increased safety and enhanced functionality it provides. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.
I would personally recommend the Wilson Combat Follower, High Visibility to anyone looking to upgrade their Remington 870, 1100, or 1187 shotgun. It is a simple, effective, and affordable way to improve safety and performance. Upgrade your shotgun today for peace of mind!