When my magazines are loaded with seven rounds there is very little room for the top round to be pushed down when seated with the slide closed. The slide can't be easily racked and I can't see how cycling would be reliable if loaded 7+1. I've seen several comments about shortening the follower legs; is this situation the reason for altering the follower?
Yes sir. The problem is that the legs on the follower are too long, therefore not allowing the follower to travel to the full down position. Because the follower won't go as far down as it should, in turn, the cartridges don't go down far enough either causing clearance issues when racking the slide on a full magazine. Sorry for the oversimplified explanation. I just can't think of another way to put it this time of night. So the only option for now is simply to shorten the legs. I believe taking 1/16" off is usually sufficient. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
I removed about 1/16" from the followers everything seems right. Full magazines insert easily and the slide racks like it should.
Glad to hear your up and running!