Sorry about being late to the party, but I've found that Mother's Wheel Polish or possibly other metal polishes and a cloth work in a matter of 1-2 minutes. No elbow grease or bronze brushes required. Almost too easy. In fact, here's a short video. You guys are working way too hard. This morning I cleaned the cylinder faces of both my 500 S&W and 627 PC in 2-3 minutes, without changing the original finish of either revolver. Hope it works as well for others.