Sounds about right mate, I always push together with one firm action (the rod) to make sure it's home properly. I hold the butt section (of the rod) vertically and against the ground to ensure when pushing the tip section in (of the rod) it goes all the way. Mind you, you may need a helping hand to part them after the end of a session (fishing session) as the joint can be tight, it can depend on the temperature. I've read that you can bed the joint in by applying a grease lubricant and rotating for a couple of hours which makes assembly and disassembly of the joint much easier. Hope this helps.