Lakeline Metal Followers testing in my 2010 PM45

[Alfonse]

So, the .45s are unique in the way they interface with the slide lock. That is probably due to the relatively large bullets and limited space. The engagement between the follower and the slide stop is minuscule compared to the other Kahrs. That is why the pin that engages it is machined and projects a bit past the plastic follower.

Anything can be addressed technically. The solution is to get steel (or stainless steel) in there that is shaped in a way to be sure to engage the slide stop and tough enough to stand up to the small area of engagement. Greg had the great suggestion of using a screw in the follower where it engages the slide stop. Because of the shape required to engage the slide stop, a regular, round head doesn't really work. So, it would take a custom pin or screw that has to be indexed into a certain orientation for even that to work.

The business issue is that any solution, like making the whole part from stainless, adds to the cost significantly. The other issue is the .45 parts don't sell well. Over the same time frame, I sell almost 40 9mm followers for each .45. If the price goes up, even fewer .45s will sell.

So, the business solution is to just obsolete the part, happily offering refunds to anyone who wants one, and putting the current inventory in the recycle bin. That said, I would like to hear opinions.

[Bills1873]

I ordered only one some time ago, just to try it out. Personally, I'll not seek a refund, as I would rather play with it and see if I can make it work. It's great for a backup magazine, as the rounds stay in position better. Thanks for the offer, Al, and keep up the good work!
PS: might offer for sale at reduced price.

[wyntrout]

That's what I would suggest Alfonse... a warning upfront, but sell at a reduced price to liquidate that stock.

Wynn

[Alfonse]

Greg's suggestion of using a screw would work for those wanting to futz with it at home. I could setup a Harbor Freight drill press to do a few pretty easily. Drill, tap and countersink. For a home brew, I would use a flathead screw that protrudes a bit from side and front of the follower, loctite it in place and file it to match the factory profile. There would be some time in it, but I've spent Saturday afternoons in worse ways. A M2.5 x .45 flathead screw would probably be about right.

I can put them back on, with the description that they don't lock the slide back on the last round, and sell them for something like $10 apiece. Still offer the refund, or partial if you like.

[Bills1873]

I'm in for some!

[Bills1873]

Seems I fixed the 45 follower by drilling a 3/32 hole at a slight angle and locktighting in a pin made from a welding rod. Dremeled it down to where it slides in the mag. Sticks out about .30 inch. Cycling by hand works every time. Won't be able to fire test it for a few weeks. Kinda resembles stock follower pin, but left it round. Altered all 5 of the Lakeline followers I had.

[Alfonse]

That should do it.

[ROB94045]

I'm not sure if the followers on mine are a revised design or not but these appear to have a metal reinforcement embedded in them. I've been unable to tell from photos others have posted, if this is the original design or not.

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[gb6491]

I'm not sure if the followers on mine are a revised design or not but these appear to have a metal reinforcement embedded in them. I've been unable to tell from photos others have posted, if this is the original design or not.

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Looks like the old poly follower to me.
They are some photos of the revised followers members are reporting here: http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.p...-mag-followers
Regards,
Greg

[ROB94045]

Thanks. I'll probably opt to replace them with the Lakeline aluminum versions.

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