You most likely won't get a response from them on this forum, at least not in an official capacity. Call or email them direct. Holly should be able to let you know. They've got parts ordering on their web site but not sure how effective it is.
There's been several versions of the type 1. The latest has varying piston head lengths for the appropriate gas system so the standard has the long head. It's "better" because it's new. Where are you in the states. I've got new op rods that'll be cheaper than direct from RA but I won't ship cross border