It is important to clean your shotgun after each use to remove any moisture, unburnt powder or dirt.

For the best results, Purdey advise you clean your gun in the following order:

• Action
• Forend
• Barrels (internal and external)
• Ejectors
• Removable Chokes (where fitted)

Gun oil should be used sparingly as excess oil or cleaner can damage the stock. Do not use WD40 oil.

The most effective method is to use a small narrow soft brush, such as a paintbrush, to remove any dirt or water from the whole of the action, paying special attention to inside the base of the action. A paint brush is the best tool for this, as it is stiff enough to get into the most difficult areas, but a cotton bud will suffice.

In wet weather, make sure you clean your shotgun thoroughly as soon as possible after shooting has finished. Once cleaned and dry, if possible, store your shotgun with the barrels pointing down. This will help to drain off any water that may have entered the action.

The Purdey Sporter has a detachable trigger mechanism which is designed to be removed. Lie the gun on its side, with the trigger facing towards you. Then press the release button located behind the trigger, and pull the trigger unit towards you.

Gently use a cotton bud to remove any dirt and grime from the mechanism. Make sure the unit is clean and dry before applying any gun cleaner and/or oil.

The forend houses the ejector mechanism but is often neglected when shotguns and double rifles are cleaned. Use a cotton bud to remove any dirt and wipe the metal parts with a clean rag. Be sure to dry both the wood and metal parts thoroughly.

It is essential that the barrels of a shotgun are cleaned thoroughly to prevent any corrosion and to ensure they are clear of obstructions.

There are three main types of brush used to clean the inside of the barrels:
• Phosphor Bronze Brush. Stiff bristles help to break up fouling deposits within the barrel.
• Brass Jag. Allows you to attach a rag or patch and will remove the dirt and broken deposits from inside the barrel.
• Woolly Mop. Provides the final polish and makes sure the barrel interior is spotless.

Place a small amount of Purdey gun cleaner/lubricant inside the barrel. Then, holding the barrels firmly on a soft surface, work the phosphor bronze fairly vigorously up and down the barrel, from breech to muzzle. After 30 seconds of brushing remove the rod and brush and inspect the barrels. Repeat this step until no deposits are visible in the barrel.

For the next step, attach the brass jag to the cleaning rod. Then attach a pre-cut patch, or tear a piece of 4x2 roll or soft clean rag, suitable for the size of the bore. Then use the same method to clean the dirty oil from the barrel.

As you progress, visually inspect the barrel to make sure all deposits are removed and the barrels are completely clean.

Finally push through the woolly mop to make the barrels completely dry and clean before a last visual inspection. When you are happy the barrels are clean, run a lightly oiled patch through the barrels, to leave a thin film of oil to protect against rust/corrosion.

Using a brush and cotton bud, clean around the breech / chamber end of the barrels where they lock into the action.

For the rest of the barrels use a lightly oiled cloth to wipe the exterior of the barrels. This is essential as it helps to remove accumulated moisture and dirt. Finally, always check the barrels are free of any obstruction and or marks.

Should you have difficulty removing any part of the gun, or if you notice any issue, please contact the Gun Room at Audley House for advice and assistance.

The ejectors are located at the breech end of the barrels. Deposits, dust, unburnt powder and other residues can often build up between them and where they are housed inside the barrel. It is essential that the ejectors are checked and carefully cleaned at the end of each day’s shooting. Use either a cotton bud, paintbrush or rag, together with a small amount of gun cleaner. After cleaning be sure to remove any excess oil.

Purdey craftsmen use our unique proprietary ‘Slacum’ oil when finishing the stock of a shotgun or rifle. The process itself takes between six and eight weeks.

To maintain the stock and forend of your shotgun(s) we recommend the following method using boiled linseed oil. This is easy to administer and will protect the stock with a certain level of water-resistance, as well as accentuate the grain.

Find a clean surface to work on and dismantle the shotgun or double rifle into the main components (stock/action, forend and barrels). It is important that you have clean hands, and be sure to wear an apron or similar protective clothing as the oil is extremely sticky.

Apply a very small amount of oil (just enough to cover the tip of your forefinger) onto the stock. Then rub it evenly with the palm of your hand following the grain of the wood. The aim is to have a thin film of oil covering the wood, whilst leaving as little residue on the stock as possible. After application, the stock and forend should be left to dry for at least 24 hours, to allow the wood to absorb the oil completely.

Avoid oiling the chequering on the grip, the butt and the forend because this will fill the chequering and create a ‘gummy’ finish.

PLEASE NOTE: This liquid is extremely flammable. Always read the instructions on the bottle before use.