Tight Cometa 400 barrel hinge. Can't loosen!

[Skillet]

Just opened my new Cometa Fenix 400 that Santa brought me and the barrel is so tight the gun can't really be used as is.  The barrel pivot screw that would be loosened to free up the joint can not be budged.  First I removed the screw that holds this barrel pivot screw in position. 

I am a seasoned machine repair technician, so I am resourceful, but this is crazy tight and I've already distorted the screw slot.  My impact driver is at work. 

What do you experienced gunsmiths do in this situation? 

Thanks guys,
Will

[Charles Outdoors]

Cometa's are really nice air rifles. I really hate to hear you having problems like that. All I can suggest is maybe a drop of oil might free it up if you can cock it at all. My Cometa's a sweet shooter.

[Roadworthy]

I guess you could query Pyramyd for suggestions.  I have a Crosman Nitro Venom which had a reluctant pivot screw.  I took my largest bit and chucked it into my Dewalt battery impact drill.  I ensured the drill was in reverse, set it to impact, and put full weight on the drill after inserting it into the screw.  I got lucky - it came right out.

Since the barrel pivots in a fork, if you can cock the gun at all you can try working some light lubricant (Krytech or even WD-40) into the sliding pivot area around the bolt.  I don't know if you have access with the stock on the gun.

[Skillet]

Got my impact wrench from work and the pivot screw came loose no problem.  The other interesting thing is that the slot in the spring tube that the cocking shoe rides in is too tight and the cocking link drags.  The fit and finish is not good.  There's a lot of work to do here to make this $350.00 gun function worth a dang.

Thinking about turning this is for a Benjamin NP2.  Aside from the beautiful stock, and the NP2's homely stock, why should I put the effort into making this one work better than it does?

[bbv13]

There's no doubt in my mind that I would send that gun back. I think you can get a bad one from any company.

Bryan

[Skillet]

Thank you fellows for your considered opinions, more are invited, please comment...
I'm still thinking that this gun may be worth more consideration: make the parts fit together before they wear in the wrong places.  A tight fit can be given some TLC and made beautiful if the rest of the package is all good.  Maybe this is called "break in" in a good, mid-level break barrel.  It is as accurate as I am at 25 feet, but it does have a nasty recoil.  The barrel has been cleaned with patches and MP5 oil till the dry patch was clean, but it is dieseling like mad with heavy white smoke tapering down some at around 60 shots.  Going to use as much of the 30 day return policy as needed to determine if this Cometa Fenix 400 is a return or a keeper.
This pic is busy I know, but sometimes it's fun to see another guy's general workbench, too.

[Charles Outdoors]

  When you say the fit and finish is not good do you mean tight parts, rough edges inside or fit and finish on the outside. Fit and finish on my Cometa is as good or better than my RWS 48 on the outside. What needs to be done to make it function worth a dang, lol. I hope there not slipping on quality.
 I was surprised to see the blonde walnut on the Fenix. I have Fusion with Blonde stock but without adjustable cheek rest. I think the stocks are nicer than the most German springers I've seen.   

[Tater]

This pic is busy I know, but sometimes it's fun to see another guy's general workbench, too.

I do like seeing them. But it reminds me of what a mess mine is. Your bench is organized.

[uglymike]

Send it back quick as you can!. $350, new, and you've come to the GTA for advice before firing a shot..........a preview of things to come? I'd drop that thing like a hot potato!

[sr500]

Hi skillet. I bought a 400 for a couple of veeks ago. Verry nice finnish, but was verry tight to brake, just as yours. Imposible to shoot with. But when i loosen a little on the pivot screw, and removed the pistonweight, and cut 3 coils,and a lube tune it shoot great with no recoil. Stack pellets at 25 yards. Tommy.

[Skillet]

After using it until things smoothed out, after cleaning it out internally, smoothing out some rough spots relubing and reassembling, this Cometa 400 with the fancy stock is cocking smoothly, shooting strongly and hitting accurately.  I'm pleased and am glad to have kept this gun that just needed some break-in and TLC.  Since I have been elbows deep into it I know the machine better.  All is well!  Thanks for your opinions fellows!

[LAalex]

Glad to hear you got it all sorted out Will.  That is a sharp looking rifle.  I've considered one many times but keep winding up with Dianas.  Most of the posts that I've read about these rifles is very positive.

Scotty

[Skillet]

This Cometa is shooting lights out right now, with very little smoke after shooting light pellets and virtually none after heavies.  It cocks smoothly after filing away some high spots and the twang has been reduced by bushing the spring.  Cleaned & lubed, this is hard to put down!  A little noisy in the basement, but it's a strong hitter with nice accuracy.

[Charles Outdoors]

The Cometa  springers are sweet.  It's not to heavy to carry around and shoot. The blonde walnut stocks are lovely.

[Tater]

WTG Will. Glad it's shooting well for you now. Well done.