Discrete cigarettes or layers of parallel cigarettes which are being propelled by a reciprocable pusher from the magazine into successive receptacles of an indexible conveyor in a cigarette packing machine are prevented from moving away from a stationary stop at the station where the receptacles receive discrete cigarettes or layers of cigarettes. This is accomplished by the provision of a stationary or mobile blocking device which does not (or does not appreciably) interfere with the propulsion of cigarettes into a receptacle but invariably prevents a rebounding of cigarettes as a result of impingement upon the stationary stop. The blocking device can be provide with a stationary or a mobile shoulder at the path of cigarettes, or with a lever which can be rocked behind the cigarette or cigarettes in a recepacle and from the path of oncoming fresh cigarette or cigarettes.