Thanks for all the info on removing the bluing. I used vinegar to remove the black (bluing?) finish that the parts came from Uberti with, right down to the clean metal. In only a few days the metal has taken a grayish cast, but it's smooth rather than splotchy. With all the suggestions and guidance from ya'll I think I can get the finish I want pretty good. Right now I'm not worrying about the final finish so much. I'm working on toggle links now - got a couple of them made Hopefully over the next few days I'll have both pair made and working. This rifle is coming together better than I ever expected.
It looks like the finger lever is the only main part missing now. CTI and Cimarron both have the part on backorder from Italy and not sure when they will get it. I'd sure pay a premium for a lever these days - either reproduction or original, as long as the original isn't made of pure gold {g}