Is it absolutely necessary to remove the barrel from the action when rust bluing? I have a 1903 sporter project that I am slowly working on and eventually will be looking to try my hand at rust bluing. Everything I have read indicates that the preferred method is to remove the barrel from the action for bluing and reinstall afterwards. My concern is ensuring the correct headspace when reinstalling the barrel. Some sources discuss the issue of crush fitting and the inability to regain the correct headspacing without setting the barrel back 1 turn and re headspacing. I don't own a lathe. Is crush fitting an issue?
Any advice, thoughts, and comments are welcome. I have looked through several older gunsmithing books and done several google searches but I cannot find anything conclusive. Most chapters on blueing discuss metal prep such as finish removal and degreasing.
Thanks,
Tom
