destroyed the finish on the receiver".
What? That is never acceptable in my book. I have a Ruger 10/22 and this is not good to hear. I have used some bore cleaners on receivers and frames to remove carbon build-up in the past. I'd be disappointed if the finish was damaged.
If it's a painted-on finish, bore cleaner will damage it, no matter the firearm. Even Saiga rifles and CZ pistols (which have a crazy-tough baked/painted finish) will have their finish damaged by bore cleaner/carb cleaner/brake cleaner.
The stuff can melt polymer as well. My brother had some damage the polymer grips of his Buck Mark pistol. Myself, I only use it to remove cosmoline from mil-surp firearms, and then only after removing all the wood.
For normal cleaning, Hoppes No. 9 and CLP will always do the job.