Follower and methods for weapons magazine

A follower for a firearm magazine, the follower comprising:

• a cartridge interface configured to support a cartridge in a firearm magazine;
• a magazine housing interface configured to orient the follower relative to the firearm magazine;
• and
• a magazine spring receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of a magazine spring, at least a portion of the magazine spring receiving space comprising a nonlinear end profile extending less than halfway into the receiving space, the nonlinear end profile configured to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force.

A method of using a follower for a firearm magazine, the method comprising:

• providing a follower in a firearm magazine, the follower having a cartridge interface, a magazine housing interface, and a magazine spring receiving space configured to receive at least a portion of a magazine spring, at least a portion of the magazine housing interface comprising a plurality of interior faces and a nonlinear end profile extending less than halfway into the magazine receiving space, the nonlinear end profile configured shaped to deflect the magazine spring from catching on the follower;
• causing the follower to interface with a cartridge, a magazine housing, and a magazine spring;
• and
• loading the firearm magazine such that the follower compresses the magazine spring and the nonlinear end profile deflects the magazine spring from catching on the nonlinear end profile, and translates lateral spring forces into a longitudinal spring force.

A method of making a follower for a firearm, the method comprising:

• providing a platform configured to interface with a firearm cartridge;
• shaping a first side face extending longitudinally from the platform and having a first end opposing the platform;
• and
• shaping a second side face extending longitudinally from the platform and having a second end opposing the platform;
• shaping the first side face and the second side face to define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a magazine spring;
• and
• shaping a nonlinear profile in at least one of the first end and the second end, so that the nonlinear profile is configured to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force.