No, there''s nothing wrong with it... it's just a training issue. BTW, your "flappy bit" is called the "lifter" or "elevator" - your choice.Dave2 wrote:Oh? Maybe there's something wrong with mine... As soon as the cartridge clears the flappy bit, its spring tries to push it back down, but I still have to push the cartridge another 1/4-1/2 inch before it clears the catch. If I don't, the mag spring wedges the cartridge between the flappy bit and the bolt. I'm going to try to make the next DFW get-together... If I remember, I'll bring it and show you what I'm talking about.
What you need to do is hold the shell in your hand with your thumb bent so the end of your thumb is against the brass end. Place the round in the loading port and push down on it with the palm of your hand, then push the shell into the mag tube with authority. Pushing with the end of your thumb will do two things: 1) It will make it easier and faster to push the round into the mag tube and past the shell stop, so it won't spring back. 2) Having your thumb bent will cause your knuckle to ride against the elevator, holding it down and preventing your thumb from getting caught between the elevator and the mag tube (ouch!).
Or you could change to a Mossberg pump action (500, 590, etc.). When the bolt is closed on those shotguns, the elevator is in the up position and acts like a "funnel" to guide the shell into the mag tube. If, by chance, you don't push it past the catch, it just springs back into the loading port, ready for you to try again. Of course, then you'll need practice to become proficient in the operation of a pump shotgun.
