Neutralizing rust w/o destroying patina

Just picked up a Carcano (Terni Fucili Corto - 6.5 with gain twist rifling) that needs alot of love. I think I've gotten the bore from looking like a complete loss to just having dark grooves (lots of patches and Hoppes #9). This rifle however has quite a bit of rust/pitting on the top of the buttplate and some surface rust on the bolt. I'm wondering what I can do (other than just cleaning as best I can and coating with a preservative) to neutralize the rust?

Any suggestions? I don't want to destroy any of the gun's "Character" or remove the patina that comes from surving the last 70 years.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hae a good one,
Dave

Thanks guys,

I think the oil/rag will do a good job on the bolt and it's parts. I've got a section of about 1 inch of butt plate that is very heavily pitted . .I'll see if I can rub it out a bit . . . not sure if I want to take it down to shiny metal or not though. Was hoping it was brass and I could buff it but it sticks to a magnet.

Have a good one,
Dave