Well, it only happens when lifting the bolt. Sliding in and out is smooth.
I think Larry was right as far as the hammer spring. I looked at it last night, in a quiet room. As I lifted the bolt, I could hear the spring loading. So, I think that is it.
Just curious. From my name, obvious I am a shotgun shooter. A Remington 1100 like to be operated with a small amount of lube, while my Beretta 391 loved to be dripping. Does the Savage have a preference ?
Rodney