Hot water was used on guns before noncorrosive priming was developed. The salts deposited by the old primers would attract water from the air and rust holes in the bores even under an oil coat. Also Black Powder residue is extremely filthy and water is prolly the ultimate solvent for that too. Hot because it helps to dry itself by heating up the metal. Go ahead, give your guns a bath. They'll thank you for it. If you can remove the wood, so much the better. HTH 
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o "The Earth is degenerating today. Bribery and corruption abound. Children no longer obey their parents, every man wants to write a book, and it is evident that the end of the world is fast approaching." Assyrian tablet, c. 2800 BC
o "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." Mark Twain
o "They have gun control in Cuba. They have universal health care in Cuba. So why do they want to come here?" Paul Harvey
o TODAY WE CARVE OUT OUR OWN OMENS! Leonidas, Thermopylae, 480 BC
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