At first I used to put the entire pistol in hot soapy water but you have to take off the wooden butt and the dry the inner workings of the pistol.

I now just clean the barrel and cylinder with hot soapy water and strip it from time to time to clean the inner parts.

Everyone has their own method, all of them work. You will find what is best for you when the time comes.

Good luck, I hope you enjoy your blackpowder pistol shooting. It is addictive.
You have been warned.