I just purchased the FIREBIRD rail which comes with a replacement guide rod and different nutcap that (from what I have read) does not have this problem and I think looks better than the oneI have now. The lock washers I found at the hardware store were huge and would scratch the handguard too much. I am actually gonna keep both handguards, I like them both. The new one is for the 2 3/4" and the Tooth and Nail is for the 3".