Hi 
Another dumb one.
When is the best time to blue a barrel before the barrel is fitted to the action or after? Or doesn't it matter.
Don

Don, 

I'll approach this from the standpoint that you are having work done and want to know what sequence of events works best and why.  I look upon bluing (and application of virtually any finish) as a near final step.  First, all of the gunsmithing should be done, then the piece should be assembled for trial fit and function.  After the mechanics are finished the rifle is then disassembled and each piece is given the appropriate level of polish and blued, plated, etc, while it is separated, so the finish goes around and through.  Then it is carefully reassembled and any final polishing, etc. is done.

Some people take a shortcut and blue a barreled action as a unit, but this will likely lead to grief as the blueing salts migrate into the space between the threads and evil things happen there in the dark!!  I know of an otherwise fine high-wall project that may never get rebarreled because the current barrel was done in that way and the corrosion has virtually welded the whole thing together. 

Good luck with your project, Don.  Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if some folks get prickly with their answers.  Maybe some of us have had too much (or too little) coffee!   

Froggie

Don,
Very valid question.  How many rifles have been re-blued without removing the barrel?  Generally not a problem with factory or military types where the barrel is screwed in very tightly.  Just brush and oil the fuzz if it shows.  Of course, I have never tried to remove the barrel ten years later.   Agree with the Frog on the right way.
Chuck

Don Our friend the Azure Amphibian has the sequence right.  Another reason to fit up then disassemble finish and re-assemble is if the action and barrel are going to have different finishes. Most of our Single shots do have a different finish barrel to action and associated parts. 

Like Marlinguy said it's generally better to fit the wood up too, final sanding out and fit can often nick or otherwise mar the metal. Which can be cleaned up before it's blued.

Boats

Yeah, I've never heard of anyone getting hurt by sloppy bluing.

Hi DonN !!!

Having just returned from a family tragedy, I read my posting and realized my error in writing on the brink of a stressful trip.. I apologize for my abrupt and callous reply and hope we can continue to share information in the future..

Green-one:

Thank you for your support in recognizing my irrational behavior and posting a valid reply to Dons question.. You are a class act !!!

Joe: 

PM forth coming….

Ed…

this is an interesting read.  i think i would want my smith to do as has been suggested and everything done separetly and even fire that rifle to make sure it shoots before the final blue job.

im sure this would be the way a factory would do it whether they fire it i dont know but some do. im sure when it is assembled the first time and it shoots certain marks are made to insure it is put back exaclty as it was.

the firsst comment was a little mean but i saw he was man enough to say he was sorry and grief makes us to say  things we shouldnt some times.

this is a good board and there are some real experts here loaing their time and expertise to help us with our problems.

keep it up boys much appreciated.

bob

Thanks for all the replys. I'm re-barreling my CPA Stevens I should have the new barrel in a couple of weeks, I hope. It will then go off to CPA for fitting. After testing the barrel will be blued. I'm thinking of trying my hand at rust blueing it myself. At that time I'll have a few questions for all you shade tree gunsmiths.
Don