Posted this on the medium bore forum too as th rifle is a 308....

I've done the search here, and read a bit about slicking up an action, and have tried the cycle the action 1000 times thing, no big improvement.

In general, if I want to put some compound into my rifle (lapping compound, JB or whatever) and cycle the action, where do you place the compound? This rifle is a Surgeon action custom in 308, and seems to be a really well built rig, and I like it, except for the fact that the bolt does not cycle smoothly. One of these days I'll learn my lesson and not buy anything other than a Sako--would be Sauer 202's if you could get parts.....

Any input would be appreciated.

Just keep the compound away from the locking lugs...you wouldnt want to increase headspace.

That's a custom built action and is machined to be tight. Surely you don't want to inflict wear into it just to make it perform like a run of the mill sporter. Lightly lube the bolt and run it like it is. If it's too tight for your liking, send it here and I will send you an action that IS loose as a goose. I would send it through the proper channels of course.

Lapping compound is a very good way to screw up an action in a very short period of time. If you can't "slick up" an action without lapping compound, then you can't slick up an action. We all need to know our limitations, so don't feel bad!

Have you felt other rifles made on custom actions like this? Are you sure you know what you are feeling when you cycle it? It may be running just as it should.

The good thing is that, depending on how bad it is, it will likely not cost too much to have a professional fix this for you. You also will not need to send the whole rifle to a professional-just the metal work. THat will save you on shipping.

Good luck!

BTW-how does it shoot?

I notice on one of my rifles, which is VERY sensitive to the torque values on the action screws (in other words how tight they are) that the action can be in a bind. Take the action out of the stock first and see how it cycles first before deciding anything.

If I remember correctly from reading the surgan site that they make a tight tolerance action for BR and a lose action for hunting.

Go on an African safari for three weeks.

I guarantee you will come back your action is as smooth as butter!

Do as Wink says first as the safari is much more expensive.

Thank you guys, the intel on being careful with lapping compound was what I wanted to be aware of. I plan to go on Safari some day, but don't know how soon that's in the cards, at least not soon enough to slick this action for fall here in the States.

Mark, to your point, I am willing to say that I may not know exactly what I am feeling, but I have other similar actions that just run a lot smoother when I cycle the bolt while firing the rifle at shoulder, and this one ain't close. Having said that, I think I'll take Malms advice and put a little lube in the rig and see what that does.

Thanks again fella's--Don

You can hone out the rails and inside of the action. I have little hones glassed on 10 inch pieces of rod..The take a shape pretty quick and do an excellent job of slicking up an action.

Check your Brownell`s Catalog for Action Slick!!!!If you don`t have the Catalog ,order one.It cost $5.00 which they return on your first order.By the way Action Slick really works!!!!!