After stripping the finish from the buttstock of an older shotgun I see what I think is oil in and around the head of the stock. Not a lot but enough to cause concern. I've heard about using Acetone to remove oil from gun stocks. What is the preferred procedure? Is there something better than Acetone?

I had the same concern some time ago. Lots of good ideas here:

https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewto ... 2&t=504404

Larry Potterfield has an excellent video on how to do this on YouTube

Mr. Potterfield made it look very simple. A little more detail would have been nice.

I've used an acetone soak on several stocks. I've always had good results.

I’ve used Denatured Alcohol with excellent results.
I did not soak it, just put it on a rag and wipe the stock.
Dog

I have an airtight container large enough to hold a gallon of acetone plus the shotgun stock. I usually allow a stock to soak at least 24 hours. Don't discard the acetone after the first use as you can use it more than once for the same purpose.

Soaked the head of the stock in Acetone for about 20 hours.Seems to have done the trick.

I hear acetone is pretty dangerous. Probably some caution on using it, and breathing and body contact. Anyone have any particulars on acetone danger?

You can look it up. It’s the main ingredient in finger nail polish remover. It’s much much less toxic than other VOCs such as benzene or xylene for example