Metal refinishing

[jeff]

I am just starting restoring a 1927 Remington model 24. It is a copy of the little browning take-down .22. This is my first do-it-yourself full restoration. I ordered a semi-inletted stock and plan to prepare the metal myself but take it to a gunsmith for the actual blueing since everything I read says that cold bluing does not have the rust resistance of a hot blue. My question is this; is there an easier way to prepare the metal? I just spent a week sanding 220 though 600 sandpaper and I am almost done with the barrel. I hesitate to use any power tools. Has anyone out there done this with good results I have a dremel and a grinder with a buffing wheel. I think the buffing wheel should be OK for a final polish. It is turning out good it is just going to take a long long, time. I am willing if that is what it takes but if anyone knows a faster way please respond.

Jeff :usa: