No, it's not normal. Have you disassembled the rifle for a clean and lube? There could be debris from manufacturing in the action. Look for any signs of binding or rough edges.

 

Going to take it apart tonight. Funny thing is it’s firing and cycling the ammo fine. I’m wondering if it’s something with the trigger? Once the bolt is brought back, charging handle can be moved with one finger.

 

When you dry fire your rifle, the hammer doesn't get cocked, like when you fire an actual shot. What you are feeling is the resistance from the hammer spring the first time you pull the bolt back. After that, the hammer is cocked, and you wont feel any additional resistance

 

That’s how I thought it operated. . My concern is after the dry fire I loaded a new mag, brought the charging handle back and it froze half way. Maybe I brought it back too slowly and/or not hard enough. Goin to open it up tonight.

 

There are only two things that will cause the bolt to resist in that manner. Cocking the hammer, or the bolt somehow hitting the magazine feed lips, which I highly doubt.

After dry firing the rifle, cycle the bolt without the magazine. Then dry fire, and cycle the bolt with the magazine inserted. It should feel the same. IF there is more resistance with the magazine inserted, then look at the forward edge of the magazine feed lips, and you should be able to see where its hitting.

If the bolt feels the same after dry firing, with, then without the magazine, you are feeling the hammer cock

 

Ok I’ll give it a try. Thank you!

 

Have you had this apart? Sounds as if the hammer strut c-notch is upside down. It's worth a try, good luck.