Pull the action/barrel out of the stock and take a couple of pictures of the underside of the action area and post them, please.

So far as the paint removal, I would think any decent paint stripper would remove it. Just don't get it on the stock or any plastic parts. (take the thimbles off just in case, remove the action internals, and keep it out of the stock until finished)

Are you certain that finish is paint? Or could it be Duracoat/similar?