Thanks all. I'll post some pix when it's all finished, but so far here's what's happened.
Remember this project is taking a 5.5" SS RV and converting to a 3" ejectorless sheriff's model.
1) Removed ejector rod and housing.
2) Removed swell on the frame where the ejector rod housing fit, recontoured and polished frame.
3) Shortened cylinder pin.
4) Thinned trigger to more Colt-like style.
5) Removed barrel. Cut to 3" and removed Ruger "bible." Repolished and recrowned.
Yet to go:
1) Removing original front sight from barrel scrap for reuse.
2) Will take barrel, sight and frame to Indy gunsmith Eric Woods who will mill new front slot, solder front sight and boresight revolver.
3) Send all to engraver Phil Montarsi for engraving.
As far as the de-bibling, it went like this (all on the lathe):
1) Chucked barrel on threads in brass collet.
2) Cut to length.
3) Recrowned.
4) Started with large medium-fine cut file working in long, smooth, even passes from rear of barrel to muzzle, maintaining the taper.
5) After removing lettering, (much deeper than .003, FWIW) used finer file, then 150 grit, 220, 400, 600, 00 steel wool and finally polishing compound/rouge.
6) Revoved from lathe and hand polished with Autosol.
Looks darn good if I do say so myself. Much obliged to all for their help and suggestions.