I bet the barrel pivot bolt is too tight! Is it just as hard to close after cocking as it is to cock? It is a weird 2 part bolt. There are video's around that tell you which side to undo first.The barrel pivot tension should be loose enough that after cocking, the barrel should close with minimal force. Or as others might say, just enough force to remain in whatever position you put it in.Hope this helps,YogiPS Welcome Ken to GTA!
Thanks for all the helpful info guys. This is the friendliest forum I have ever been on. Much appreciated.
My problem is not so much the pivoting of the barrel as the lock-up pin. I literally have to "break" it over my knee to open the breach to load a pellet, and have to "slam" the barrel close to lock it position. If I could figure out how to lighten that pin and still hold the barrel secure on the closed position, I'd be a happy camper.