It's possible.

Take the shooter rod out and roll it on a flat, hard, smooth surface like a counter top or table. Watch the metal shaft and see if it's moving up/down, meaning it's bent. I had a shooter rod that was slightly bent and it acted like it was dirty. You can pull another rod from another game and try it and see if there is any difference.

I feel as if the stern oilite bushing isn't quite as smooth as games that use nylon sleeves. But it shouldn't start getting sticky that quickly.

You'll have to leave the bronze bushings in place and drill them out to accept a nylon shooter sleeve.