Penbwlch

Woodwork is a hobby of mine and oil is my favourite finish. I would suggest going for a drying oil. Don't worry about the type as there is as much difference between the various makers as there is between the types. My personal favourite is Rustins Danish Oil. To apply the oil, just spread it on with a cloth or paper towel. Leave it alone for ten minutes and wipe off everything that has not soaked in. Leave it for a day to dry and then repeat. The more thin coats you put on, the shinier it becomes. Whatever you do, though, don't scrunch up the cloth/paper towel and leave it. As the oil dries, it can create much heat and even spontaneously combust. Take the cloth outside (or pun in wood burner) and set fire to it. It will just flare up and then pose no further risk. When I have put on the last coat, I like to give just one coat of Briwax Original. This takes off the oily feel and also gives it a nice smell.

I've just had a great time ratting. My wife spotted some in the barn. I went out with my dogs and an air rifle. Sum total killed was eight. A border collie killed one, the Jack Russell killed three on his own, I shot three, and one was a joint effort (I shot it off a beam and the JR killed it). You can't beat a bit of team work. The hardest bit was calming the JR down afterwards.

Well, I had my first lesson last weekend and no bruises. Having read through this thread, I can only assume that it was a good instructor. He spent quite a while with me making sure that the gun was right for me (ended up with a makeshift cheek pad) and that I was mounting it right. A count afterwards showed that I put 60 cartridges through the gun and the only physical problem was a sore left shoulder muscle from lifting the gun. Good fun.

I hope to go there, as well. I have just bought my first shotgun and need to practice. I just happen to live close to it.