Pump Stroke Too Hard

[KKPASA]

I have a pump mag with a RetroValve. My problem is that I have to really pop it back to reset the bolt. I've played with a Phantom for a few years and the stroke for my pumpmag is much harder. Is there any way I can make it smoother, softer, easier? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[PumpMag]

Try changing out your pump handle spring with a lighter one.

If the tension is still too hard, also change your bolt spring to a shorter one.

[Spider-TW]

A fresh bolt spring helps counter a new wave spring.

Also, you do have the bolt bumper inside the wave spring and not in front or behind it, right?

If you have a level 7 bolt, you might try a longer power tube spacer, in case your fighting that o-ring (iirc)

[KKPASA]

Thanks for the replies.

It's not the pump handle spring, it's a light pull.

I don't think it's the wave spring. I do have the bolt bumper inside the wave ring.

I have a Level 10 bolt that came installed with the Retrovalve. I'm not sure if that's the problem. I think I have a regular bolt I could put in it, but I don't have any power tube spacers.

I was thinking that if I had a lighter trigger pull then it would be a lighter pull to recock it, however I've read here on AO that I can put a ULT on a Retrovalve.

I'm open to any suggestions.


Thanks again for all the help.

[Spider-TW]

The trigger pull doesn't make a lot of difference in the pump stroke, unless your sear is crusty where the bolt rides on it. A stock RT on/off should be good.

Level 10s have a reputation for being extra difficult in pump mags, but I haven't tried them there. If you can tune it with a longer bolt spring, that should help. If you have to choose a part to find, I would go with the level 7 bolt in a pump mag, and save or trade the level 10 on your next mag.

[bbotts77]

I thought I read somewhere that the stock bumpers are too thick with the addition of the wave spring. Are you using a stock bumper or a thinner one? Maybe pull the bumper out and try pumping it.

[BigEvil]

Cant use a lvl 10 with a pump.

[Spider-TW]

Cant use a lvl 10 with a pump.

I suspect it ranks up there with ULTs in classic valves. You hear about it working on occasion, but it's best to just say no.

You could always try to plug the vent port in the level 10, making a high pressure level 7 bolt. Not a recommendation; just a smart-a remark.

[fishmishin]

A level7 will definitely be much easier to troubleshot. Have you checked to make sure the pump rod itself isn't catching on the body at the back of the stroke?

[flyingpootang]

Your pump rod is dragging under the bolt lip causing the problem. To cure it simply bend the rod up toward the bolt so it hits the bolt face more.....

[zeroack]

I'm sort of having the same problem. Is there any chance that someone could take a few pics of there bolt, wavespring, bolt bumper and valve? I just got a pump mag in trade and am having the same problems. I got it to work pretty good last night after I took OUT the wave spring..or what I think to be the wave spring.

tanx for the help,

zero

[flyingpootang]

I'm sort of having the same problem. Is there any chance that someone could take a few pics of there bolt, wavespring, bolt bumper and valve? I just got a pump mag in trade and am having the same problems. I got it to work pretty good last night after I took OUT the wave spring..or what I think to be the wave spring.

tanx for the help,

zero

Replied from MCB: Zero, The pump arm has to be just far enough forward so that the bent potion of the arm is under the body and the bolt doesn't hit it when going forward. When aired use a squeegee to reset the bolt. If it's easy to do then you need to bend your pump arm a little up to contact the bolt face instead of dragging along the bottom of the bolt lip....

[zeroack]

Working like a dream! I'll post pics tomorrow. Very happy with it. I can't wait to get it onto a field.

Zero

[zeroack]

Well here she is in pre-SPE fashion. I'll get it off to anno after SPE, since I want to use her there....

enjoy...

[KKPASA]

@ bbotts77- Its not the bumper since it's inside the the wave spring.

@ fishmishin & flyingpootang - the pump rod isn't sticking. that was one of the first things I checked.

Now I've tried recocking the bolt with a drum stick and it's just as difficult. So maybe I do need to change the bolt. I'll let you know if it works.

@ zeroack - Nice pumpmag. Post some pictures after you get it annoed.