PROD bolt cocking issues...

Had issue with old HDD and the hammer (basically needed replacement). So I got new hammer assembly and went to install. Now when I go to install and tighten down the 4 hex bolts that connect the breech and bolt to air tube and hammer the bolt won't move. If I have it barely finger tight it will move and cock as it is supposed to. Otherwise it binds and the bolt won't cycle. 

It should tighten up fine and I don't want to force anything.

What am I doing wrong?
 
A picture or video would be worth a thousand words here. You are sure the hammer pin and cocking lug (socket head on bolt) are interfaced correctly? I find it can be easiest to cock the hammer so it's held rearward and seat the bolt closed so there's ample room when aligning the breech and tube. 

But since you can cock when the bolts are finger tight, my guess is that the socket head bolt that is used as a cocking lug is not tightened down all the way, making it interfere with the tube when the breech is locked down. 
 
S97,

When you reassemble it, and put the breech with the bolt on, make sure that the bolt Allen screw that cocks the hammer pin is in front of the hammer pin. If it is to the rear of the hammer pin, it won't go together, and if it does, you won't be able to pull the bolt rearward. You also have to make sure the transfer port is not out of position, this could be an issue as well.

Tom Holland 

Field Target Tech 

Fieldtargettech.com 
 
S97,

When you reassemble it, and put the breech with the bolt on, make sure that the bolt Allen screw that cocks the hammer pin is in front of the hammer pin. If it is to the rear of the hammer pin, it won't go together, and if it does, you won't be able to pull the bolt rearward. You also have to make sure the transfer port is not out of position, this could be an issue as well.

Tom Holland 

Field Target Tech 

Fieldtargettech.com

This is NOT correct. For the Prod the pin goes into the REAR of hammer. The front hole is the lock-down for the striker adjustment.

My guess would be as Toku58 says, the hammer pin upside down. This would cause the shoulder on pin to be too high, hitting the breech. This should be easy enough to see though.

With the Prod those breech screws don't need to me much more then "snugged".
 
BigTinBoat, 

Yes, you are correct, but you misunderstood me, or I might not have worded it correctly. 

What I meant was, once the pin is installed in the hammer, the part of the bolt mechanism that engages on the hammer pin, must be in front of the hammer pin. If this is behind the hammer pin, when the bolt is pulled rearward, it won't bring the hammer rearward, not cocking the hammer.

Tom Holland 

Field Target Tech 

Fieldtargettech.com 
 
I don't think 100% but closer.... I went back to my old hammer and used the striker pin that came with the old hammer. It seats better but still a bit on the loose side. I chrony'd and I'm shooting at same velocity as before 187mps/ 613fps with JSB hades with same HS 5 clockwise and HT settings 5 ccw... huma reg set at 1900. seems to cock fine, the hex bolts appear to be just a tad on the loose fitting side.

I don't think it is possible to run with striker pin upside down. Just for giggles I took it apart and tried. Bolt is fully locked forward when being seated, transfer port has oring washers on each side and appears to seat correctly. I've been told to have it cocked when seating, and I've been told to do it un cocked. both achieve same effect.


I'm not much of a tinkerer... tbh, I suck at being handy. I have tools but I ask myself on a regular basis "why do I have tools?". I just want to shoot.

Eventually, I'd like to send the gun to a competent air gunsmith and pay them to do a rebuild/refurbish/maintenance/tuneup. Just don't know who specializes in Prods and such. Any suggestions?

Also, the pump on My Nova Freedom finally died and I've got to figure out that project. disassembly of that gun looks like its going to take courage and a few beers.