I had a nice Savage 22-250 that was my first varmint rifle, it was a great entry level rifle, but it was no CZ! I spent almost a year researching and looking for a 550 when my local gun dealer just happened to get in four of them...brand new. In my research, I remember an article (maybe a forum? ) that discussed a "stiff bolt action" on this particular model, but in the .308 caliber. The advice given was that the 550 was "not known to have smooth action and didn't like to be babied, slam the bolt shut, it will loosen over time". I have considered some kind of burr, but there is no evidence on the shell casings, and the action is not stiff every time. I do appreciate your advice and will follow your suggestion, I love the way that this rifle shoots and with several thousand acres of farm fields around my place, and who knows how many coyotes, I definitely plan on keeping her. Thanks AVM, I'll post any results as they occur.