If your gun is looking a little dull and the action isn’t moving as freely as you like, you can spruce things up with some carefully selected gun oil.

Mineral oils are suitable only for the metal parts of a gun. All-round oils can be used on wooden gun stocks and the metal parts and will wipe away grease, fingerprints and bring wood back to life.

Gun oils will protect the gun from moisture and lubricate moving parts. However don’t use gun oil on a varnished gun stock as it will attract dust and become sticky – just polish a varnished stock with a spot of old fashioned beeswax from a tin.

The secret to using gun oil on a wooden stock is to apply a very thin coat and nothing on the chequering.  Let it dry out before applying more. Achieving a good finish can take several weeks so start early and be patient.