Here's a Trojan I just acquired...

[Walt Kowalski]

Originally Posted by Pete Lester

Petroleum based oil destroys the fiber of wood. Makes it punky and the result is the stock "breaks" where it meets the receiver. The only thing that should be put on the wood is a mix of Murphy's Oil Soap and a rag. Go easy with that too. In fact take it easy with all the gun cleaning accessories in your picture. Don't touch any screws without using proper fitting screw drivers. Often times a good brushing of the barrels with some hoppes #9, some Murphy's Oil Soap and water, on the stock, using a tooth brush with it in the checkering is all that is needed. Leave cleaning internals to a competent gunsmith. Best to have it looked at by the same before firing too.

I don't mean for this to sound like a lecture. Your gun is antique and many antiques have been ruined and their value decreased by someone trying to make it better.

I agree...thanks for the reminder! Easy to get carried away when I have a project like this...