While on the topic of cleaning guns' exterior finishes, I have to mention Ballistol. This multi-purpose lubricant and preservative has an interesting history and an even more interesting list of uses. It is safe on wood, leather, metal and rubber. I had a walnut stock on an old Marlin that simply would not shine. (It apparently pre-dated the company's excellent Mar-Shield finish.) I used one of Ballistol's pre-moistened wipes to continually rub down the stock and minutes later it was glowing like a prize piece of AAA exhibition wood. Ballistol can be used as a patch lube for muzzleloading, as a preservative for wiping down guns that will be stored for some time, to displace moisture on guns that have gotten wet, and more. It does have an odor initially that some find rather unique, but that's a small price to pay for a product that offers so much protection across so manny applications.
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