PROBLEM SOLVED!

I decided to be brave and file the burr down a little. I figured the pistol is cheap enough to learn on so there was no reason not to.

I carefully filed down the burr. I wasn't able to completely remove it, but I probably could have if I had removed the firing pin.

Now the slide is able to be racked with the hammer at its resting (uncocked) position. It is still a little tough, but nowhere near where it was and it doesn't get hung up at the half cock position.

Time to pat myself on the back and consider it a job well done!

Thank you all for your help!

-Zach