Embodiments of the invention are directed to a magazine and follower assembly for use with a semi-automatic handgun. The assembly may include a magazine body configured to be received within a recess in a handgun. The magazine body has an open top end including a pair of magazine lips sized to retain cartridges within the magazine body. A follower is housed within the magazine body and is biased against the force of a compression spring. The follower has a resting face configured to accommodate the outside profile of a cartridge body and further includes a protrusion disposed along the resting face. The protrusion maintains contact between the magazine lips and an uppermost cartridge loaded within the magazine body.