My friend and I did his m2 today. We used a new file and took our time. This picture is after polishing. He ended up blueing it. Took about 2.5 hours from disassembly to assembly with a new nc plus 7. We can't wait to do another.
I agree. Function over fasion. I guess as long as I use a clamp or go with striped1's suggestion, I shouldn't have a problem, no matter how far the tube sticks past.