45ACPete:  The easiest 'quick check' is to take the side-plate off the left side of your receiver (with magazine empty).  You will likely have to remove the barreled-action from the stock (to avoid wood damage) to remove the side-plate.  After doing this, you should see the carrier/follower assembly projecting through the side-plate opening.  Leave the Magazine Gate (door) closed and press the follower inward to test its movement and action.  With moderate spring resistance it should allow you to push the follower all the way across the receiver so that it 'folds' into the hollow of the magazine gate.  If you can not do this, something is wrong with the Gate, Hinge Bar (pin), Magazine Spring, or Carrier-Follower parts OR Assembly.  While the Side-Plate is removed, you can also view and test the action of the Magazine Cutoff and inspect the Side-Plate for damage.  Psteinmayer was correct when he pointed out that five cartridges should fit in the magazine even if the Cutoff is blocking cartridges feeding to the bolt.  (I suspect that the front tip of your Magazine Spring may be in the wrong position and is blocking the Carrier/Follower's movement).

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