Im getting set up to try some Express Blue at home, what should I use for bbl plugs? didnt see anything like that in the Brownells catalog..

Wsternhunter---

I don't use plugs at all. I clean the inside of the barrel .....and all the places I don't want to blue, with acetone and then brush on a couple coats of fast drying stock finish. Using Flecto poly urethane will protect the bore for several boilings.

A local "smith" has been hot bluing for years. He never plugs or otherwise protects the bore, claims the blueing process doesn't hurt the bore one bit. I've had three or four rifles blued by him over the years. All had new barrels and they all shoot quite well. Am I missing something?

Thanks Jack! Im guessing that a bore brush and perhaps some thinner will remove it afterwards?

Craigster,

I wont be using hot caustic salts, this is a slightly different animal and I think that some protection for hard to reach surfaces will be in order since it needs to be repeatedly boiled in water and carded.

OK,so the Express Blue is a type of "rust blue"? I think you're explanation answered the question, sort of. But, is hot caustic blueing harmful to the bore?