357 ........
Those photos you posted above in Post #1 are actually my photos that I sent to HyGain to complain about a new Penetrator 500 just purchased.
I sent those photos and some complaint issue.
They asked me what parts I wanted replaced. I gave them a complete parts list of everything I wanted replaced on the new antenna.
They sent me all new tubing sections and parts that I requested. They did not want any of the original parts back, They told me to just keep them.
All of the new parts and tubing sections fit much, much better. I was good to go after that.
I figure that someone was not being very diligent on the day they fabricated the tubing sections the first time.
And I also do have an original, brand new, 1982 model Penetrator 500 antenna still in the box, never opened, in my collection of antenna stuff .....
And I also have another original, 1982 Penetrator 500 (new, out of the box in May 2016) that is currently in service.