After all, where is the danger in firing a rifle with an op rod that comes lose from the track. What is the worst that could happen? Just write it off to "pulling the lever incorrectly."
I'm sure the OP will use his best judgement in this matter, so I'll stop bickering.
While it has nothing to do with the issue you are having it would be a good idea to replace the op rod spring if you never have.
Spring should be 19-20 1/4 inches long, straight, no kinks or bends. Stay away from extra power Wolff springs as they can cause short stroking
I use springs from Orion 7