Alamosa,
Mine is a 6-Lug lightweight action. Some of the older Howa-built Mark V 9-Lug magnum actions were chambered in .30-06 and .270 Win. before production was moved to the US and the standard length action was built. The fluted bolt fits pretty tight in the receiver when locked up. I don’t think it’s buttery smooth like some Mauser-style actions. All of my Mark Vs seem smooth enough to me. It’s a fairly heavy bolt in the 9-Lug version and seems clunky when cycled with the thumb and index finger like a snowflake. Properly cycled it is more than solid. Hope that helps. Happy Trails

Life Member NRA, RMEF, American Legion, MAGA. Not necessarily in that order.