Auto 5 owners... school me?

I’ve never seen that problem before. It’s possible that the original Action Tube (the spring housing) broke off and was replaced with one that’s a little too long. Prior to 1958 the tubes were threaded in and were weak. The later tubes were silver-soldered in place. Art’s Gunshop has some excellent videos on the subject. And they replaced one for me.

https://artsgunshop.com/

I guess you could lengthen the hole in the stock a little, or shorten the tube with a file.

Incidentally, the most common stock fit problem is one that’s too loose. Over time the bolt hole gets elongated. The solution is to send it to Art who will drill it out and cement a hardwood plug. Then with a special jig re-drill the hole. Pretty simple, but without the jig the chances of getting it right are slim.

Yes, it’s an hour drive. But guys send their Auto-5’s to Art from all over the country.

Art's is known as the 'go to' for A-5's.

Here is Art’s price list. But from what you’ve written I don’t think you need him — yet.
https://artsgunshop.com/PriceList.php