Is it ok to put a cleaning rod in from the Muzzle to run a patch down the barrel? I know it's a no no for a rifle.

What in the world do you use to clean the area where the barrel/cylinder gap is located, I guess it is the part of the frame between the barrel and cylinder? I used #9 and a bronze brush but still had areas on the top part of the barrel that I did not get completely clean of residue.

Thanks