i bought one from him too. it didn't have a recess in the piston either. i haven't got it together yet to tell if it will hold the rod. he said it would. i was surprized when it came with the gold finish because he shows a pic of the normal grey one. but it does say in the add that it comes with a gold finish. my fault i didn't read the add better. i just looked at the pic and thought thats what i would get.