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So, your op rod spring has a kink? Not unusual when some guy loses control during strip or assemble. Easily replaced if needed.

I liked to used the M10 cleaning rod handle like the book shows. That way it's all held in the rifle and just turn the tool with the rod...stripping or assembling. No, It ain't hard at all.

Yes there are. Most impressive to me is still the end of the land worn by steel rod use. Very damning evidence of what instructors told troops about over use of a rod when cleaning...then insisted...

Pic on the left in post #2 is crown? A bit of rod wear at the crown? Quite evident if I understand your pics...