Is this wear normal?

[fullofpaint]

Was looking at this frame I took off an Ebay purchase recently and noticed it was a little deformed from the pump rod. Is that a normal bit of wear?

[Toestr]

I know that side cocking pumps like a Trracer, Bushmaster etc get the same kind of thing in the side slots. If it gets really bad it can cause the valve to open if you pump back with force. For this you might just be able to screw the pump rod in a turn or two to stop it from hitting the frame.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Yeah that’s normal with use.

[Mr. Hick]

Agreed. Someone was a little heavy handed with the stroke but it's not far out of spec for a well used one.

[Handy]

I have likewise run into this on multiple frames unfortunately. I usually try to lightly file the lip down to prevent any interference with the body, but it's probably not neccesary.

[Grendel]

Yup normal if not a little on the heavy side. You can mitigate this by use of plastic washers/spacers as buffer between your return spring on the pump arm and frame fact then adjusting your pump arm. What you are looking to do is ensure that your rearward travel is just enough to allow a ball to load and reliably engage the sear but not travel any further back. A little trial and error to get it setup but saves on wear and tear on the frame.

[flyweightnate]

If you keep the thumb screws tight, the roll pin takes most of the impact. I got a Phantom way worse than this, so it pushed the body high, but a few minutes with a round file fixed it quick.

[Slim]

Yes, that area on the frame will peen back like that, but it usually takes years (or constant usage) before it gets that bad. Usually, you'll see it like that on a really old Phantom (mid-to late 1990s). Looking at the condition of the laser engraving on the side of the frame, it doesn't look to be that old, but you'd need to look at the serial number to know for sure. If the rest of the frame is in good condition, I'd try to come up with some way to remedy the issue to extend the longevity of the frame. Some of the suggestions others have made sound like good ideas.

[Axel]

If I'm not mistaken that's a hardened steel pin that will limit the damage. I've never heard of anyone wearing out a Phantom frame.

Threading the rod into the handle will not affect this. It will change the position of the handle relative to the bolt; it will not affect the bolt's limit of travel.