First PCP and weird issue

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RatAssassin

RatAssassin

Member
Feb 6, 2023
14
14
Manitowoc, Wisconsin USA
Hi.
After decades of springers, I decided to get into PCP's.
So to start, I bought 2 Akelas, one in .177 and one in .22 for my son and I for some pest control work we do. They fit the budget for the type of environment we work in doing this work.
The .22 remains unfired so far. Maybe today we will get it set up.
But after only around 70 rounds through the .177, I experienced a very odd (to me) problem. I've already contacted Benjamin via their customer service portal, but I don't see hearing back for a day or three.
Quite simply:
When the trigger is pulled, the rifle does nothing this started around shot 60ish. However, it does fire flawlessly on the second pull of the trigger. I would like to explain what the trigger pull is like on the first and second pull now, but it's different. Like it doesn't stage. But I'm so new to this rifle, I may be totally wrong.
I have scoured the interwebz looking for any clue on what could be causing it. I can't find any brand or model where this is even closely discussed. The rifle is going back for sure, but I'd like to know the cause. Because that's how learning gets done.

And while I'm here, I have to say....... I'm very happy to have found this forum. There is so much good info on here and what looks to be some very dedicated and insightful members.
 
tcarlson777 said:
That is a type of issue that would make me want to return the gun for a refund or replacement. You shouldn't have to tweak a brand new gun to get it to fire on the first trigger pull!! I hope you get it sorted. Where did you buy the Akelas?
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I got them from AoA.
I don't plan on even beginning to touch anything. I'm just not at all knowledgeable on PCPs.
I think I may try out the .22 today for the first time.....if I have time. But the .177 with this firing issue is going back to Benjamin for sure. It's most certainly not AoA's fault.

But to understand what's going on with it, I thought I'd ask here. I just have no idea what would cause this. I don't even know where to start to understand the mechanical failure and where it is in the system. I have built AR's and many customized .22 rimfires.
I have planned another purchase for my company to have another PCP in .22 to add for our work.
I'm already feeling scared off of PCP's.
 
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Emu said:
Send it back to AoA.

My very honest advice is for you to order a Daystate Revere non regulated. Believe me, you will be jumping of happiness !!!
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The way I see it is this.
AoA sold me a new rifle. They didn't build it or carry the 5 year warranty. The manufacturer does. So I'll go that route.
Due to where we will use these bullpups and how we will use them dictates my price point in how much I am willing to spend because there's a good chance they will get trashed, scratched and extremely dirty no matter how careful we are with them. We also work with air rifles in very tight confines and situations often in near darkness in and around dangerous machinery, catwalks, etc.
Having a shorter platform will serve us well.
Our needs are very different than the needs of most people when it comes to the choice of what we bought.
 
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IF they let you keep the defective Akela, and send you a new one, then it makes great sense to dig into the trigger mechanism and fix it. It is probably something fairly simple. On my Marauder, I disengaged the "Lawyer Spring" so that I could adjust the trigger to a much lighter setting. However, I'm pretty confident that digging into the trigger mechanism will void the warranty, so tread lightly. I'm sure that Crosman will make it right. They are a very good company.
 
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Mike_Lenardon said:
Dont even mess with it. Like emu said "send it back to aoa"
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I never intended on messing with it. I have clearly stated that I'm new to PCP's and have very limited knowledge on them.
AoA did not build, warranaty nor manufacture the rife. I don't feel it's their issue. It's why I have already contacted Benjamin. It's not AoA's fault the rifle malfunctioned. That's like blaming the little Girl Scout for selling you the box of cookies made by someone else that gave you the s#its.
So, I'm going back to the manufacturer first. That's why they warranty it.

What I'm looking for is insight into what the problem might be through other experiences. Not so I could attempt to fix it, but to try and learn the system so that in time, I may be able to diagnose and maybe fix problems that may arise, especially if Im out in the field or on a job. im not afraid of tinkering, but I'm out of my element here and only do so if I know what I'm messing with. Its why Im typing this with ten........wait......yeah, still ten fingers. 😁
 
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RatAssassin said:
I never intended on messing with it. I have clearly stated that I'm new to PCP's and have very limited knowledge on them.
AoA did not build, warranaty nor manufacture the rife. I don't feel it's their issue. It's why I have already contacted Benjamin. It's not AoA's fault the rifle malfunctioned. That's like blaming the Girl Scout for selling you the box of cookies that gave you the s#its.
So, I'm going back to the manufacturer first. That's why they warranty it.

What I'm looking for is insight into what the problem might be through other experiences. Not so I could attempt to fix it, but to try and learn the system so that in time, I may be able to diagnose and maybe fix problems that may arise, especially if Im out in the field or on a job. im not afraid of tinkering, but I'm out of my element here and only do so if I know what I'm messing with. Its why Im typing this with ten........wait......yeah, still ten fingers. 😁
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If you send it to AoA then AoA will send it back to the manufacturer in order to replace the defective parts.

AoA will send you a new one and the problem is solved without suffering of anyone.
 
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Emu said:
If you send it to AoA then AoA will send it back to the manufacturer in order to replace the defective parts.

AoA will send you a new one and the problem is solved without suffering of anyone.
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It's just a normal business day for them too. It's actually the best way to buy a Hatsan gun. If you buy directly from Hatsan then you have to send the gun in to get fixed so basically you get back a refurbished gun. If I wanted to buy a refurbished gun then I would have and saved a lot of money.
 
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RatAssassin said:
The way I see it is this.
AoA sold me a new rifle. They didn't build it or carry the 5 year warranty. The manufacturer does. So I'll go that route.
Due to where we will use these bullpups and how we will use them dictates my price point in how much I am willing to spend because there's a good chance they will get trashed, scratched and extremely dirty no matter how careful we are with them. We also work with air rifles in very tight confines and situations often in near darkness in and around dangerous machinery, catwalks, etc.
Having a shorter platform will serve us well.
Our needs are very different than the needs of most people when it comes to the choice of what we bought.
Click to expand...
You are probably right, as my Benjamin Bulldog documentation tells me not to return it to the store, but to call the Manufacturer. But, when you deal with a dealer like AoA and Utah Airguns, you get the benefit of a dealer that has your back, and will get you up and running much faster than manufacturer warranty service.
 
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I really want to get things sorted out with the .177.
I will have no time to try the .22 today. Maybe tomorrow or Tuesday.
If I can sort this out, and learn more about them, I could see myself getting something nicer soon.
That was the goal. Get two nice ones for work, get to know the PCP world and then get something really cool.
 
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RatAssassin said:
*Update*
It's not even 8am here and Benjamin already sent me a form and an attachment to print a shipping label to return it for another new one.

Pretty impressive customer service.
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That is awesome. I have heard many opposite stories of Benjamin offering quick and convenient customer service. I’m glad it is working so far.
 
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Trucker3573 said:
That is awesome. I have heard many opposite stories of Benjamin offering quick and convenient customer service. I’m glad it is working so far.
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And I also contacted the seller, as many here had told me would be my best course of action.
I asked if they were a repair center for the brand or if they could advise on my best option.
They stated they could do nothing about it and to contact the manufacturer, as I had figured.
AoA was also very quick in getting back to me. Kudos to those guys too!
Yeah.....sucks when things go wrong, but that's pretty much the story with any product made in the last few years.
 
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