The bolt rides on a fibre-glass-composite slide, that is also made with Telfon. But it's not as smooth as you would think.
On the one that I bought to use as trade goods, the bolt felt very slick! I am surprised by the lines that divide those who hate the 710 and those, who have bought the piece and like same. Like religion, the issue will not be settled and no one will likely change their minds on the subject. Still, along with Savage, the 710 may be the least expensive, accurate high powered rifle on the market today.