I clean the metal first and start with the bore using a tight cotton patch with Hoppe's 9 on a button end using NOTHING but a one piece steel rod. If any color (blue-copper) I soak the barrel with No. 9 and use a bronze brush.
Many bores will be found with dried grease, all manner of corrosion and sometimes both. Most of the dried crud and grease on the outside can be removed with No.9 or Kroil Penetrating Oil. I see a lot of the Lyman 48 slides frozen up and I use Kroil on them.
Living where I do Hoppe's No. 9 will protect the bore and anything that will not be shot or stored for a long time I use RIG in the bore.
Almost all metal can be cleaned and not hurt using No. 9 a tooth brush and in some places 0000 steel wool. Don't get in a hurry, let the chemicals do the work, soak it, you have lots of time.
