Cheapshooter-
Maybe I wasn't clear. Maybe my terminology is not accurate.
For a gate feed with a blind tube, Henry would need the same basic components for the magazine as for they would a tube feed: tube, plunger, spring, and end cap.
Supposedly, Henry is already working on a gate feeding model because some people prefer that.
What I am suggesting, is that if the offer a gate feeding model, they use the same components that they use today for the magazine, giving the option for tube feeding (or clearing) by the same method as they do it today.
This would allow the user to feed by gate if they prefer or tube if they prefer.
The tube would be the same size in either case: essentially a wash
The plunger would be slightly different probably in a tube feed vs a gate feed, but the cost difference would be minor: let's say $2 price difference in the part.
The spring would be the same: no cost difference.
The end piece for the magazine tube would be the same one they use today, but since it isn't just a plug, let's say that the cost difference would be $8, which I think would be a lot based on the number they produce.
EDIT: I forgot about the inner sleeve that is needed for tube feeding systems and not needed on a blind magazine. Maybe that would add another $5-$10.
Not everyone prefers a gate feed and not everyone prefers a tube feed, but the option to chose whenever I am shooting would be nice.