I have 2 almost identical primary hunting rifles, both built on FN commercial actions. My 300 win mag is smooth as can be, my more recent 35 Whelen is quite rough and heavy in initial bolt lift. I want to smooth out the cocking cam/cocking piece surfaces very carefully. What is the least intrusive method for a non-professional like myself? I assume my options are a dab of fine grit(1000?) compound and work the surfaces a few times, clean and test? Oiled equally fine grit paper by hand?

Just be careful not to cut thru the harden surface.