Trapdoor Rifles

I'm afraid that the whole Model 1884XRB, "1888/89 Pushmepullyou", and Model 1888 can be a bit of a hot mess where - for the sake of economy - some corners were cut. SA (or Bannerman - who really knows at this point?) clearly used any receiver above 96300 for assembling the M1888s. The handwriting was on the wall that the TD was on the way out, and, if it fit together and would function, it was done. The numbering of the receiver and barrel is interesting - one has to wonder why, but apparently, there was a need...

Sorry, cannot help with the bluing question - my limited experience has been with Birchwood-Casey, and I'm sure there are better choices. I still have not colored the raw parts on my M1882 restoration.