Useful tips and advice to ensure safe shooting.

Care of guns in the field

When out shooting, always be alert for obstructions in the barrels. Mud, snow, broken twigs etc. can easily lodge in the barrels, particularly when moving through thick cover or shooting in adverse weather conditions which can cause the barrels to burst. It is sound procedure therefore to look down the barrels after every shot, between drives and after shooting to ensure that the barrels are free of debris. And if you hear a weak or strange report on firing a cartridge, check before inserting another cartridge and firing again. 

Never leave an unattended gun loaded with a discharged or undischarged cartridge before, during cleaning or storing. If you wish to protect your firing pins always use snap caps recommended by your gunsmith. Dirt and grit can sometimes get lodged behind the extractors. A stiff wing feather from a pheasant or chicken is ideal for cleaning here. Pay attention also to the gutters on each side of the barrel rib and lightly coat the outside metalwork with oil. 

Fore-end and stock woodwork should be wiped over with a soft dry rag before putting the gun away. A good wax polish is better than linseed oil – lubrication oil should not be used on wood – and excess gun oil will rot a walnut stock. The face of the action should be scrubbed occasionally with an old toothbrush dipped in lubricating oil. Special attention should be given to the striker holes. Do not overdo the oiling – it can cause trouble by attracting grit and clogging working parts.

STORING YOUR GUN

Keep your gun cabinet in a secure, dry place. Do not keep a gun in a case or slip for lengthy periods without examination. Condensation will cause rust. Occasionally take the gun out of the case and leave the case open in a warm dry atmosphere so that the lining can dry out. Never put your gun away wet. 

CLEANING

Eley cartridges cannot cause rusting of barrels, excluding black powder products, but guns still need to be cleaned after use to avoid damage by damp, dirt and grit, especially if they are to be put away for any length of time. Clean the barrels with a dry flannel patch or a face tissue. Use a bristle or phosphor-bronze brush moistened with a cleaning oil or nitro powder solvent to remove any persistent fouling. Never use a steel tool, as this will roughen the surface of the bore and damage your barrels. If you have used oil, wipe the barrels dry before applying a final thin coating of cleaning oil with a wool mop.

MAINTENANCE

Take your gun to a gunsmith once a year for a check-up. When a gun is sent to a gunsmith for overhaul or repair you must take or send in your shotgun certificate. Cartridges should only be used in suitable, properly functioning firearms. If the gun fails to fire, keep it pointed in a safe direction and wait 30 seconds before unloading.