Firebrick fitting question (not like in manual)

[Nighthawk]

I have a Grandma Bear II (I believe) stove. The firebrick diagrams in the manual (Grandma Bear III) do not match what was in the stove. I took out the old brick and the new brick will not lay like in the manual either. At this point, I have all of the brick in, with a 1/2" to 5/8" gap at the very front edge of the stove (closest to doors) along the bottom left and right sides. Is this ok or is it too much gap? Thanks in advance.

 

[CamFan]

I used to brick stoves. It would be better to fill the gap for better protection of the stove. It is hard to cut a 1/2 brick. What you will find is if you have to move the stove the gap will get smaller because the brick will shift. The small gaps will fill with ash. Keep in mind above the brick is not protected.