Kraig, MisterE, everybody - thanks so much!
I hope I didnt come off disrespectful in my frustration. Yall are awesome. I will make that 12 ga. guide then go get a single piece, non coated cleaning rod!
I'm also going to look into shimming the gas piston/tube on Youtube - once the plug is easier to remove. Can the gas tube be replaced simply w a national match gas tube and piston? or do we start talking about a ton of other parts like op rod and custom gun smithing at that point?
So maybe after 5-600 rounds enough heat and cooling cycles will have occurred that the plug will loosen? I'll come back for advice then if it doesn't.
Sincerely yall, thanks.
Attached photo of my M1A Loaded.
herman m1a loaded.jpg