I suspect, but don't know for sure, that the greatest wear on the bolt and lug occurs when the gun is opened--not closed. Seems to me that as the bolt is retracted the barrel weight is putting upward pressure on the lug and the retracting bolt rubs the bolt the entire length. This would seem to create maximum friction on the wear surfaces. When shooting clays with a vintage gun I try to keep the barrels pressed against the action till I've completely retracted the bolt. Of course I never even think of this stuff when hunting. Does it make any difference? I don't know but it makes me feel I'm doing something to preserve the gun....that's enough.

John McCain is my war hero.