A continuing CM40 follower problem

[FelixD]

This is not a rant. I’m looking for a solution to a 7 year problem with shattered magazine followers. I’ve just got off the phone with factory CS and the young man I spoke to seemed clueless. He seemed surprised at my claim and request for new followers. I was told they’re available for $11 each. I don’t think an answer will come from the factory so I’m appealing to this forum.

I have checked for clearance finding no contact between feed ramp and follower yet I’ve managed to destroy 3 more followers with factory ammo. Has anyone discovered a solution to this problem? Do the metal followers work? Does Kahr offer a metal replacement?

[Bawanna]

I'd recommend Lakeline, Al is a member here. His followers have a very good rep.

I suspect you do need more clearance between the feed ramp and the follower. This is a pretty common especially in the 40.
Kahr should replace your broken ones, I've lost most of my inside contacts to address this kind of thing, I need to work on that I guess.

[FelixD]

Thanks Bawanna. That was a fast response. I can open the gap further and see what happens. After all this time I won't mind the loss if it screws up even more. I'll google Lakeline.

[gb6491]

Here's the link for Lakeline followers in .40: Metal Magazine Follower for .40 S&W Kahr (https://lakelinellc.com/shop/metal-magazine-follower-for-40-sw-kahr-available-late-september-or-early-october/)
I suggest getting one before working on the barrel. It's probable that your gun will mark/damage the metal follower, but it won't break it and it will give you an idea of where the contact is happening.
http://www.kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?30819-lakeline-followers-chewed-up
Regards,
Greg

[Bawanna]

Excellent suggestion Greg, excellent indeed.

[FelixD]

Two metal .40 followers were just ordered. At $46.10 I sure hope this corrects the problem. But, I'd rather pay money to a small business than throw away $22 on parts that you know will break. Too bad Kahr can't get this straight. I really like their little guns, but hesitate to buy another. Thanks all for your help.

[Scott321]

Two metal .40 followers were just ordered. At $46.10 I sure hope this corrects the problem. But, I'd rather pay money to a small business than throw away $22 on parts that you know will break. Too bad Kahr can't get this straight. I really like their little guns, but hesitate to buy another. Thanks all for your help. Could you upload a pic of the area of the follower that pushes on the magazine catch? I thought I read somewhere that the older followers sometimes had issues with cracking because of the clearance. I don't remember if it was ever an issue on the 40, though. My 40's were purchased more recently and the metal insert in the follower is rectangular. I don't shoot them as much as my 45's so I can't speak of any long term issues.

[Ken L]

I broke one factory follower on my CW40 and replaced it with a Lakeline a couple of years ago. I actually have Lakeline followers for my other two CW40 magazines, just haven't replaced them yet. The Lakeline did get dinged but I have not had an issue with it. Seems to have become self-relieved. The other two factory ones seem OK, but I'm sure it's not a matter of "if" they break but "when".

[FelixD]

I received my Lakeline followers two days before their estimated arrival. The workmanship is impressive. I now understand why they are over $20 each.

Scott,

Ive taken pictures of what you requested, but can’t figure out how to post them. Any advice?

[Bawanna]

You must have 30 post before you can post direct, however you can post via a photo place like postimage, or tinypic, one of those places.

[FelixD]

Ok, thanks.