A quick step-by-step guide on disassembling a sidelock shotgun, should you wish to give your gun a thorough, deep clean before/after the season.
The gun used in this example is an AYA No.2 Sidelock Ejector. The steps below can be used on most sidelocks, however some may vary slightly.
Please note: this is a beginner's guide. Any experts/gunsmiths won't learn anything here!
The first step is to remove the locks. This gun has hand-detachable locks which are simply removed by a thumb screw. (others require a screwdriver) A firm tap on the bench should dislodge the locks from the action.
The trigger guard can then be removed by unscrewing the two wood screws and then rotating the entire guard anticlockwise.

Once the trigger guard has been removed, you can unscrew the trigger plate screws and long hand pin that holds the back end of the receiver together.
After that, the top lever is held open and you can unscrew and remove the breech pin. Please note: these screws will be tight, so a good quality, well fitting screwdriver should be used to prevent damage to the screw heads.

The trigger plate can then be dropped out the bottom of the gun and the stock gently wiggled off the action. Take care when sliding the stock off, the horns around the locks are delicate and can be broken easily.
Some guns have a loose pin inside the head of the stock, this can easily fall out and get lost.

The next step is to take the forend apart. Holding the push rod in a vice, unscrew it until it clicks. You can then continue unscrew it with your fingers. Be careful when removing it as the spring can fly across your bench.
There is a small screw under the rod which goes into the forend tip. Remove this, along with the screw that goes into the diamond in the middle of the forend. The woodwork should now lift away from the metal.

The end result should look something like this. You can now clean and lightly oil the workings of your gun.
Too much oil stains the wood and makes it much weaker, resulting in cracks and breakages. A very light film is all you need!
I'd suggest keeping each screw in it's corresponding place so as not to get confused. (using masking tape to keep them in place)
Reassembly is exactly the same just in reverse. If you're not confident, please take your gun to an expert and they should be more than happy to help.
The gun used in this example is an AYA No.2 Sidelock Ejector. The steps below can be used on most sidelocks, however some may vary slightly.
Please note: this is a beginner's guide. Any experts/gunsmiths won't learn anything here!

The first step is to remove the locks. This gun has hand-detachable locks which are simply removed by a thumb screw. (others require a screwdriver) A firm tap on the bench should dislodge the locks from the action.
The trigger guard can then be removed by unscrewing the two wood screws and then rotating the entire guard anticlockwise.

Once the trigger guard has been removed, you can unscrew the trigger plate screws and long hand pin that holds the back end of the receiver together.
After that, the top lever is held open and you can unscrew and remove the breech pin. Please note: these screws will be tight, so a good quality, well fitting screwdriver should be used to prevent damage to the screw heads.

The trigger plate can then be dropped out the bottom of the gun and the stock gently wiggled off the action. Take care when sliding the stock off, the horns around the locks are delicate and can be broken easily.
Some guns have a loose pin inside the head of the stock, this can easily fall out and get lost.

The next step is to take the forend apart. Holding the push rod in a vice, unscrew it until it clicks. You can then continue unscrew it with your fingers. Be careful when removing it as the spring can fly across your bench.
There is a small screw under the rod which goes into the forend tip. Remove this, along with the screw that goes into the diamond in the middle of the forend. The woodwork should now lift away from the metal.

The end result should look something like this. You can now clean and lightly oil the workings of your gun.
Too much oil stains the wood and makes it much weaker, resulting in cracks and breakages. A very light film is all you need!
I'd suggest keeping each screw in it's corresponding place so as not to get confused. (using masking tape to keep them in place)
Reassembly is exactly the same just in reverse. If you're not confident, please take your gun to an expert and they should be more than happy to help.