Mancini fuel pump push rod binding.

[71 SE3834V]

Picked up a new rod today from Mancini. Cleaned it, lubed it and went for a test fit. It's binding. Almost couldn't get it back out. Shaft thickness measures at .4365.
Should I try to polish it up or drive the 1.5 hrs to take it back? And why can't we get parts that fit?
Here we go again....this is getting old fast. Guess I'll have to give them a call.

[A383Wing]

I got mine from local auto parts store....and with warranty...and no driving or return shipping

[71 SE3834V]

How long ago? No one around here has them.

Called 4 chains and 2 independent parts stores. Only Napa could get one. Ordered it last Tuesday and as of Sunday it still wasn't in. Got ticked and drove up to Mancini (45 min drive one way).

Update:
Since there was no guarantee that getting another wouldn't have the same issue I elected to polish it up and it now slides right in.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Funny, I was given a spare new Mancini rod.  Changing out my fuel pump I figured I'd use the new rod. 
ran into the same issue as you.....felt like it was binding in the block.   Got it back out and compared it to the one I had in the car....same length so i just reused the old one....