Picked up a new Axis the other day, the first thing I noticed was the stiff bolt lift. I had handled other Savage bolts recently, as well as a variety of new and used rifles from Mossberg to CZ. Obviously some were better than others, but none were as stiff as my Axis (all chambered in 30-06). This is all without any ammunition in any of the rifles. I pulled the bolt, cleaned and oiled, re-assembled. The rest of the cycle feels great, except the effort needed to cock the pin? (bring the bolt all the way up so it can begin its journey backwards).

Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to lighten up the lift? Don't really want to put a big honkey handle on there, but it is very difficult to cycle the action while keeping the rifle shouldered & target in sight.