Rem700 finish question

[ReAX222]

Should the barrel be finished before it is installed on a reciever?

[eisman]

Installed, yes. Fitted, no.

Ideally all the parts will be finished prior to assembly. A properly fitted barrel can be removed in minutes by some properly equipt. That being said that someone should be able to install a barrel without marking it.

Finishing the barrel and receiver while they are assembled can cause rust from blueing salts (or other chemicals), and/or create issues with the finish when trying to seperate them at a later date.