Question about tubular magazines

[hammerklavier]

I just had a problem with the spring binding up in my 870 and the shells were flopping around loose in the magazine. After I fixed it, I wondered if it would still feed by gravity if I pumped while pointing the gun up, or would the shell be pushed back in by the extractor?

 

[kBob]

Try it and let us know! Using dummies or snap caps of course.

-kBob

 

[Virginian]

Yes, but you may have to slow down your cycling rate depending on your normal speed. Was hunting with a guy one time who lost his spring overboard when checking to see if he has his plug in. He had previously already lost the spring retainer. And no, I don't know why he decided to take it apart to see if it was plugged. It did function.
If you spring was binding, can we assume you have a magazine extension?

 

[Miked7762]

Just tried it (it's raining, can't work and I was bored). About 2/3 of the time the shells hung up on the interrupter. A little shaking worked them loose.