I thought the same thing, then started looking & asking around as I have about 1/3-1/2" on all my slides. Looking around most have gaps as there is a seal on the outside so once it's pressed tight the Wilde should be all the way in. Apparently the only slides that actually get flask are the Prevo busses (&similar busses). Ihave yet to see a retracted slide that didn't have at peat a 1/4", so I guess it is normal. I do think that 3/4 seems like an excessive amount I didn't actually measure mine. There are adjustments that can be made so it's not likely a big issue should it be to wide.