Just thinking about the picture a bit, I think you need the rod in there to reset the trigger when dry firing or a misfire (no recoil). I would not leave it out entirely. I haven't tried that in any of the numerous BSS guns I've had. I always just flipped the rod around. So, you're a test pilot if you take it out altogether.

Last edited by Chuck H; 04/28/11 02:07 PM.