Putting the GG&G Magazine Follower Through Its Paces
As someone who relies heavily on the smooth, unwavering performance of my firearms, a faulty magazine follower can be more than an inconvenience; it can be a mission-critical failure. This realization led me to seek a robust upgrade for my shotguns, specifically looking for a part that addressed the common plastic limitations of factory-issued components. My search quickly led me to the GG&G Magazine Follower, a component promising enhanced reliability and a more tangible indicator of ammunition status. From the moment I held this stainless steel piece, I could tell it was engineered for a different class of performance compared to the flimsy plastic I was used to. I briefly considered other metal followers, but GG&G’s reputation for producing durable, tactical accessories, coupled with the unique high-visibility insert, made this model the clear frontrunner. The initial impression was one of solid engineering and thoughtful design, offering a quiet sense of confidence.
Real-World Testing: Putting GG&G Magazine Follower to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were primarily the shooting range and my home workshop. I installed the GG&G Magazine Follower into my Remington 870, a workhorse that has seen countless rounds. The installation process itself was surprisingly straightforward; it slotted into the magazine tube with a satisfying click, replacing the stock plastic follower with minimal fuss. Even with the older shotgun model’s internal magazine tube dimples, the slotted version of the follower eased into place, a testament to GG&G’s thoughtful design for common firearm variations.
During extended range sessions, the most noticeable improvement was the significantly smoother cycling of rounds. Where the plastic follower sometimes felt a little sticky, the polished stainless steel glided effortlessly, pushing shells up into the action with consistent pressure. I encountered zero feeding malfunctions or jams that could be attributed to the follower, which was a stark contrast to occasional hiccups I’d experienced with the OEM part, especially during rapid fire. The high-visibility red insert was also a surprisingly useful feature, offering an immediate, unambiguous visual cue that the magazine was empty. This small detail proved invaluable during tactical drills, allowing for quicker transitions and reloads.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months of consistent use, which included various drills and casual target practice, the GG&G Magazine Follower has proven itself to be an exceptionally reliable upgrade. My Remington 870 has been through dusty outdoor ranges, humid indoor environments, and the occasional jostling in a gun case, and this stainless steel follower has shown absolutely no signs of degradation. The polished finish remains smooth, and there’s no indication of galling or wear that would impede its function.
Compared to the plastic followers I’ve used from various manufacturers over the years, this metal unit feels vastly superior in terms of durability and performance consistency. I’ve yet to experience any of the common issues associated with aftermarket followers, such as sticking or binding, which often plague less well-engineered alternatives. Cleaning is also remarkably simple; a quick wipe-down with a solvent-soaked rag is all that’s needed to keep it pristine, and its corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction means I don’t have to worry about rust or degradation from cleaning agents.
Breaking Down the Features of GG&G Magazine Follower
Specifications
The GG&G Magazine Follower is offered in two primary configurations: a standard version and a slotted version for shotguns with internal magazine tube dimples. Both are CNC precision machined from 300 series stainless steel, a material chosen for its exceptional corrosion and wear resistance. This ensures the follower can withstand harsh environmental conditions and repeated use without degrading.
The follower features a deep spring pocket, which is critical for effectively controlling the magazine spring. This design element helps prevent spring bind and ensures consistent upward pressure on the shells, thereby minimizing malfunctions. A prominent, high-visibility red insert, made from anodized 6061 T6 aluminum, is a key distinguishing feature. This insert serves as a clear visual indicator of an empty magazine, allowing for quick status checks, and its texture is designed to be discernible by feel in low-light conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of a magazine follower is to reliably guide shells from the magazine tube into the shotgun’s action. The GG&G Magazine Follower excels at this core function. Its polished stainless steel body provides an incredibly smooth surface that allows shells to slide up without snagging, even under the pressure of a compressed magazine spring.
The deep spring pocket is a standout feature, preventing the spring from buckling or misaligning, which is a common cause of feeding failures in lesser followers. This feature, combined with the smooth material, translates to virtually eliminated stoppages, ensuring a much more fluid and dependable operation of the shotgun. Compared to basic plastic followers, the difference in terms of reliability during high-stress situations is immediately apparent and substantial.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the GG&G Magazine Follower is a blend of tactical functionality and practical ergonomics. The choice of stainless steel contributes to a substantial and durable feel, far removed from the often-brittle plastic of standard followers. The polished finish is not just for aesthetics; it directly contributes to the follower’s smooth operation.
The high-visibility red aluminum insert is a thoughtfully integrated ergonomic element. Its bright color provides an instant visual cue, and its slightly raised, textured surface makes it easily detectable by touch, even when wearing gloves or in dim lighting. This enhances situational awareness and reduces the mental load during critical moments. The specific design of the slotted version, with its precisely machined slots, makes installation in dimpled magazine tubes remarkably easy, without compromising the follower’s structural integrity.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on its construction and material, the GG&G Magazine Follower is built for exceptional longevity. The 300 series stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear, meaning it should perform reliably for the life of the firearm it’s installed in, assuming standard use. Unlike plastic followers that can crack or deform over time, especially under stress or in extreme temperatures, this metal unit is designed to endure.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A basic cleaning with a gun solvent and a soft cloth is usually sufficient to remove any fouling and maintain the polished surface. Its resistance to contamination means that dirt and debris are less likely to embed into the follower’s surface, which can be a problem with softer materials and lead to increased friction and potential malfunctions. There are no complex parts or intricate mechanisms; it’s a solid, single piece of machined metal designed for reliable function.
Accessories and Customization Options
The GG&G Magazine Follower itself is a replacement part designed to enhance the existing magazine tube system. It does not come with separate accessories in the traditional sense. However, the product is available in two distinct variants – standard and slotted – to accommodate different shotgun configurations, particularly variations in Remington 870 magazine tubes.
The high-visibility red insert is the sole customization element on the follower itself, serving a crucial functional purpose rather than being purely aesthetic. GG&G also backs this product with a Lifetime Warranty, offering significant peace of mind and further underscoring their confidence in its durability and design.
Pros and Cons of GG&G Magazine Follower
Pros
- Superior Durability: Constructed from CNC precision machined 300 series stainless steel, it offers unparalleled longevity compared to plastic alternatives.
- Enhanced Reliability: The deep spring pocket and polished surface dramatically reduce the risk of feeding malfunctions and ensure smoother operation.
- High-Vis Ammunition Indicator: The bright red aluminum insert provides a clear visual and tactile cue for empty magazines, improving situational awareness.
- Corrosion and Wear Resistance: Stainless steel construction makes it immune to rust and significantly resistant to wear, even in harsh environments.
- Easy Installation: Designed to replace factory followers with minimal effort, with a slotted option for shotguns with internal dimples.
- Lifetime Warranty: GG&G Tactical provides a Lifetime Warranty, demonstrating their commitment to product quality.
Cons
- Cost: It is a more expensive upgrade than a standard plastic follower.
- Weight Difference: While minor, the stainless steel follower is heavier than its plastic counterpart, though this is negligible in overall firearm balance.
- Specific Fitment: While designed for common shotguns like the Remington 870, users must ensure they select the correct version (standard or slotted) for their specific firearm.
Who Should Buy GG&G Magazine Follower?
The GG&G Magazine Follower is an essential upgrade for any shotgun owner who prioritizes reliability, durability, and enhanced operational awareness. It’s particularly well-suited for tactical shooters, law enforcement officers, competitive sports shooters, and dedicated hobbyists who put a premium on dependable firearm performance. If you’ve experienced feeding issues with factory plastic followers or simply want to eliminate a potential point of failure in your shotgun’s magazine system, this component is an excellent investment.
Those who should consider skipping this product are individuals looking for the absolute cheapest replacement part or who rarely use their shotgun and therefore may not benefit from the enhanced durability. For users with specific, non-standard magazine tubes that might not accommodate even the slotted version, compatibility should be carefully verified before purchase. For those who do opt for it, no additional accessories are strictly necessary, as it’s a self-contained upgrade, though ensuring you have the correct firearm maintenance tools for potential future disassembly is always wise.
Conclusion on GG&G Magazine Follower
The GG&G Magazine Follower stands out as a testament to intelligent design and robust engineering. It’s a component that addresses common failure points in a critical part of the shotgun’s feeding system, replacing a less durable plastic part with a precisely machined stainless steel upgrade. The combination of superior materials, thoughtful features like the deep spring pocket and high-visibility red insert, and the backing of a Lifetime Warranty makes it an exceptional value, despite its higher initial cost compared to factory plastic followers. For anyone seeking to significantly improve the reliability and operational confidence of their Remington 870 or similar shotguns, this follower is not just an upgrade; it’s a necessary enhancement. I wholeheartedly recommend the GG&G Magazine Follower to anyone serious about their firearm’s performance and dependability.