You can find many threads on this topic. In summary the smoothness can be improved significantly by polishing the bolt surface areas that show wear; I like Dremmel wheel and Flitz compound. Be sure to do the cocking ramp too. There is debate whether this reduces bolt lift force and I believe the reduced rotational friction certainly does to some extent (laws of physics). Lift is reduced with longest bolt knob and/or time and true. I also find Frog Lube provides improved smoothness and lift.
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