Hi Mark! It is a learning experience as we go, but sloooowwwww down and we'll try to get you flying straight and level!
no problem on the questions, that's what I'm here for... As for the strut, yes, you can hook the plastic on the drum, and slide the top onto the aluminum stud.... I think you will find when you got that down to a smooth move, the follower will no longer pop out? It also does this with the originals... The winding handle is cocked and locked for loading the 32 rounds... you just have to be firm an deliberate when preloading the spring... it is strong out of necessity, it won't break, and if by some chance it does? Well, I'm still here! But it won't, it is good steel... Y0u can leave it either way, it won't hurt it, and it probably will not lose much strength..... You'll get into a rhythm after you figure out all the limits! Some like to load the first two rounds by hand, but I have found loading with the loader right from the start seems ot be less problematic? And, you'll hear the first round click or pop by the teardrop hole... mess with it some... About the only way you can hurt it is to let the handle slip when unloaded and fully
cranked!!!
... keep after it, best to you, til...lat'r....GT