problems iwth M14 operating rod

I brought a (New, to me) an Fulton armory M-14.(it was a "new" build) after a couple hundred rounds though it. the operating rod is now rubbing on the bottom of the barrel. I had to take every thing off the barrel to get the operating rod off the bolt. (yes, I knocked out the pin on the operating rod carrier(ok, that's what I call it) my question, is there a way to tell if the op. rod it bent??? or should I look for something else. yes. I carried one for three years in the MC but I'm not sure about this one.
every thing on the rifle is TRW, bolt, op. rod, barrel, trigger housing group, ETc.
The rubbing is on the closest part of the barrel to the receiver. please E-mail me at
pm861@sbcglobal.net and let me know what you think??(ok, this is not a trick question, anyone can answer!!
Pat

You should not have to be corcerned about the p rod rubbing on the barrel. This is a grease point in the manuel just as on the M1. By the time the op rod hits that part of the barrel the bullet should be long gone. You shouldn't have to remove the op rod guide to get it off.
You first move the op rod spring guide pin out of the way to allow the op rod spring guide to move forward and out of the receiver. This pin is usually trapped and should not come all the way out. Move the op rod to the rear pulling it slightly away from the receiver and it will hit the take down area and should lift up and out.

Some operating rods may appear bent but so long as it functions properly, it shouldn't be a factor. I actually had to bend a new one I installed to get it to work properly. As previously stated, the bottom of the op-rod will rub slightly at the base of the barrel and is normal. I also apply lube to it.

So long as you pass the tilt test, you are good to go. Take the action out of the stock and remove the operating rod spring and spring guide. Tilt the action up about 30 degrees and the op-rod should move back, unlock the bolt and take the bolt with it. Then tilt the action down about 30 degrees and the op-rod should move forward and take the bolt wth it fully locking the bolt at the end.

If there's any binding or hesitation, you have something wrong.

Place the action in the stock as-is (without the spring and guide) and without the trigger guard. Do the same test with the action in the stock. If there is binding in the stock it will show up here.

If it all passes the test, your rifle should be good to go.

Here is a Video of an M1 Garand Tilt test although not the same as the M14/M14 tilt test you can get the basic idea from it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlIoxbtdPXY

Hello CZM: I had a similar problem with an operating rod from Fulton with my M1. I talked to Fulton and they said to polish the saddle of the rod where it contacts the barrel, and to polish the barrel at this point also. Fulton said that if this did not solve the problem, the rod may need to be bent to my specific rifle. Don't know if this helps or applies to your situation.