Since I'm a lefty Rem 700's have kind of been my staples; mine have never left me thinking "smooth.". Later in life I've come to use some Blasers, both the R93 and R8; they are smooth due to their radically different bolt which rides on two "thin" rails in their raceways. These rails are not locking lugs, just bolt carriers, so there is much less surface area involved.
But back to the 700. I had a semi-custom 284 made up out of a 700 SA and like about everything about it except the "gritty-sticky" bolt throw. I had a PGT one piece bolt made for it mostly for a longer bolt handle and bigger bolt knob. I like it and it's also much more slick. I don't quite know if this is a function of better finish or more precise machining or some of both but am very pleased.
