Cleanup without damage

[Randy1944]

I have a vintage percussion rifle that I would like to clean. What will clean grime without damaging patina from metal and wood? Maybe some type of paste or liquid?

 

[rchas]

Diluted Murphy's Oil Soap and a soft rag is my go to.

 

[Phil Coffins]

The most aggressive thing that you should use is a rag. Don’t try steel wool, brass wool or scotch bright! Mild soap and water followed by appropriate oil will clean with out over doing it.

 

[ohio ramrod]

I like the old standby equal parts Murphy's oil soap/ alcohol/ hydrogen peroxide to clean older or "gummed up" guns. I use with a bronze bore brush followed up by cotton patches.