Denatured alcohol is good for removing surface dirt and contaminants without being too harsh. You must clean it with something first be it alcohol, mineral spirits or acetone. Since there may be dirt, wax or oil on there that can impede the application of more finish. The surface should be mildly abraded with 0000 steel wool to prep the surface.
Then sparing application of your finish of choice can be done. If you are just looking to freshen up the finish and take care of dry areas, then there is no need to sand or steam out dents and such. However, the checkering may need to be cleaned up. Most old guns can benefit from that.
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B. Dudley
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