I'm a bit concerned with your theory about the bluing being too thick and inhibiting the gun's function. Never seen bluing that thick, and the Ruskies had some pretty globular coatings after WW2: those guns seem to run very well. Check all the parts and their fit first before removing any bluing. and of course lube the H--l out of it. If you get oil on your glasses when you are shooting, that's about right. v
dju