Scattergun Tech / Wilson Combat High Visibility Follower
I've tried many followers, Remington's orange and black plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. My favourite so far has been the SG Tech/Wilson Combat Hi-viz follower.
It's made from a high visibility lime green plastic. The colour is easy to see, even in the dark, and it is not the same colour as ANY shotshell or cartridge base I've ever seen.
There is a raised nub in a groove on the face of the follower. It's there so you can verify an empty magazine tube without looking into the gun, a helpful feature when you can't see so well or when using a light is not tactically sound.
The follower is long enough to keep from tipping and the tang on the end keeps the spring centered on the follower.
The follower is made of a plastic that has been impervious to all the water, oils, lubricants, gun solvents and brake cleaners I use. Of course, plastic won't rust, and it doesn't cause galvanic reactions like other metals will (ie Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Brass.)
The biggest downside is that it cannot be installed, without modification, in shotgun magazine tubes with dimples. For example, newer Remington civillian model shotguns without mag tube extensions.
Also consider what you are replacing. The first time I disassembled my Remington 870 Express and removed the follower, it seemed awfully thin, soft and flexible and prone to breakage. It also lacks the enhancements introduced by Scattergun Technologies / Wilson Combat. I am sure that the stock Remington follower will stand up reasonably well in most of the situations it was designed for.
Then again, defending against large canivores or an aggressive home invasion wasn't part of the 870's original design concept.
On average, the Wilson Combat High-Viz Followers cost $12 each. That's expensive for a small part hidden inside your shotgun, lending it little 'look cool factor'. However, if you're concerned with safety and function, the price should be easily justified. Every shotgun I own has one.
