Smoothing out the action

[JoeSoap]

So I got Lipsey’s Ruger in 9.3x62, the action feels like it needs to be smoothed out a little bit. Any suggestions on how to do? I was thinking of taking out the bolt and polishing with emory cloth and then doing the same to the rails and rest of action. Thx

 

[M70375!]

one time I took a brass bore cleaning brush and attached it to short cleaning rod and put in an electric drill and polished the inside rails with that, it helped a lot

 

[Woodcarver]

Use a fine jewelers rouge. Just a little bit on the bolt ears, then work the action several dozen times. Doesn't take very long. Clean the bolt well after.
Some just oil the bolt and work the action while watching the boob tube. Takes a little longer, but works.
Either method will slick up the action.
Emery cloth is a bit coarse (even the fine grit), and will likely roll the edges of the races unless you carefully fit it to an also carefully fit bar. I would avoid it.

 

[USMA84DAB]

I put some of my magic oil/grease mix and then work the action 1,000 times. It gets pretty slick when you do this.

 

[coreydb]

If you've already thoroughly cleaned the bolt and receiver, I used lapping compound on the bolt's locking lugs and worked it until the action smooths out.

 

[Sabre]

I know some people polish with flitz and some will put flitz in the action or on the bolt and work it quite a number of times to get it to "wear in". I have never done this as I worry about making something too loose. But I know quite a few people swear by it. But, if you are braver than me, you could research this method and see if it is for you.

 

[SRvet]

Careful with using abrasives that you don’t close the bolt as this could affect headspace if done repeatedly. You don’t want to lap metal off the rear of the lugs. Running the bolt backwards and forwards with some lapping compound on the underside of the lugs should help smooth things out.

 

[Bush Buck]

I'm always hesitant to work on the bolt itself and I never have.
However, I have improved a few Rugers by polishing the rails a bit with ultra fine Scothbrite (gray).
I take the stock off and remove the mag box. I cut a 1 inch square of the pad and use it to de-burr and polish the top surface of the rail. I also hit the inner edge and undersurface to de-burr which reduces brass scratching. A little goes a long way. Make sure to clean any dust out when you're done.