Ruger 96 Instruction Manual

							22
4. Position the safety so an equal
amount of the button is exposed on
each side. If the safety is not in the
middle when the barrel-receiver
assembly is lifted out of the stock,
the stock will be damaged. Make
sure the lever is open.
5. Swing the barrel-receiver assembly
upward away from the forearm of
the stock. Be careful the two
receiver cross pins (B-5 & B-46) and
bolt stop pin (L00601) do not fall
out.
6. To remove the lever housing, again
make sure the lever is fully open.
Drift out the two larger diameter
receiver pins with a small diameter
screw driver or punch. Do not drive
out any of the smaller pins. Do not
disassemble the components of the
lever housing assembly. The bolt is
removed together with the lever
housing.
7. The bolt is separated from the lever
by pushing out the bolt link pin
(L04900).
This is the extent of disassembly required for routine inspection, cleaning and
lubrication. Further disassembly is not
recommended.
EQUAL AMOUNT OF SAFETY VISIBLE ON EACH SIDE 
						

							23
REASSEMBLY
1.Reassembling the bolt to the lever:
Open the lever. Insert the lever locking
link (L00900) on the top of the lever
housing into the slot in the bottom of
the bolt. Align the hole in the link with
the hole in the side of the bolt. Insert
the bolt link pin (L04900) into the hole
in the side of the bolt and push it
through the hole in the link until the
pin is flush with the sides of the bolt.
NOTE: Keep assembly level. Until the lever housing and receiver are
reassembled, tipping the housing sideways may allow the bolt link pin to fall
out of the bolt.
2.Reassembling the lever housing:
With the lever open, assemble the bolt
and lever housing to the receiver. The
back of the bolt should be against the
back of the lever housing as the bolt is
inserted into the receiver. Push the front
of the bolt upward as you slowly push the
lever housing into the receiver until the
front of the bolt is visible in the ejection
port.
3. Reassembling the receiver:
The lever housing can now be pushed
upward fully into place and the two
receiver pins can be pushed into their
respective holes, locking the receiver and
lever housing together.
4.Reassembling the remainder of the rifle:
Assemble the barrel - receiver to the stock
by following ( in reverse order) steps 1
through 5 under the “Dissasembly”
instructions.
5.Check functioning of assembled rifle. Be
sure it is unloaded!
Only now should the lever be fully closed.
Close the lever and open it a few times.
The bolt should lock, unlock, and retract
smoothly, and the safety should operate
normally.
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED OR COCKED!
FRONT OF BOLT VISIBLE
4
3
2
1 
						

							24
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND CARE
Check the magazine frequently. The rotor must move freely and have adequate
tension so that each cartridge is quickly raised to the feeding position. At the
time of manufacture, proper rotor tension is set in the .22 caliber magazines by
rotating the magazine cap nut until the r
otorstops turning. Then the nut is
turned an additional 1 1/4 turns beyond the ‘stop’ position. The .44 magnum
magazine is automatically tensioned  (rotor wound 1 1/2 turns) if properly
assembled.
To test the rotor tension, load one cartridge into the magazine and then firmly
press against the side of the cartridge case. Remove your finger quickly. The
cartridge should instantly and fully move in to the feeding position. If it does
not, the magazine should be cleaned. If cleaning does not restore proper rotor
tension, do not use the magazine.(NOTE: After testing, remove the test
cartridge).
When cleaning is necessary, use a solvent that will not rust the metal
components or adversely affect the plastic magazine box. After the magazine has
been soaked in solvent to loosen foreign matter, be certain to shake it vigorously
(with the loading opening away from you) to remove solvent or residue from
within the magazine.
After cleaning, always check to be certain that rotor movement and tension are
correct, and that no solvent or debris remain. Do not disassemble the magazine.
Improper reassembly or improper tensioning of the rotor spring can cause a
potentially dangerous malfunction. If you experience a problem with the
magazine, don’t use it. Get a new one.
Exploded view of the
magazine components.
This illustration is
included to show the
relationship and names of
the magazine components.
As noted in the text above,
the magazine should not
be disassembled. The .22
Magnum, .17 HMR, and
.44 magnum magazines
are slightly different in
dimension but are similar
in concept and operation.
DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR IMPROPERLY
ASSEMBLED MAGAZINES SHOULD NOT BE USED.
THEY CAN CAUSE THE RIFLE TO MALFUNCTION.
Magazine Components
(.22LR Shown) 
						

							25
!WARNING – LUBRICATION
CARE AND CLEANING
Make Sure Gun is Unloaded!
Before cleaning, be certain the rifle and its magazine contain no cartridges. (See
“To Unload”, p. 17)
At regular intervals, or whenever the rifle has been exposed to sand, dust,
extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse
conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential
to the reliable functioning of any firearm.
To clean the rifle, proceed as follows:
1. Disassemble (field-strip) the rifle to the extent described on pages 21 & 22.
2. Using a cleaning rod, run a solvent-wetted patch through the bore several
times. Then attach a solvent-wetted bristle brush to the rod and run it back
and forth the full length of the bore as many times as necessary to remove
grease and dirt from the bore and chamber. Clean bore with dry patches and
examine. Bore fouling can contribute to reduced accuracy, and grease
accumulation in the chamber can interfere with proper feeding of cartridges
from the magazine.
3. Using powder solvent on a clean patch or bristle brush, remove powder residue
from all components of the mechanism. After cleaning, run a dry patch
through the bore, then follow with a patch that is very lightly oiled. Wipe all
surfaces clean with cloth, then wipe all surfaces with a patch or cloth that has
been very lightly oiled.
4. NOTE: Only a light application of oil is needed to provide adequate lubrication
of moving parts and to prevent rust. Excess accumulations of oil tend to
attract particles of dust and dirt and may congeal in cold weather which can
interfere with the safe and reliable function of the rifle.
Firing a rifle with oil, grease, or any other material
even partially obstructing the bore may result in
damage to the rifle and serious injury to the shooter
and those nearby. Do not spray or apply lubricants
directly on ammunition. If the powder of a cartridge is
affected by the lubricant, it may not be ignited, but the
primer firing may push the bullet into the bore where
it may be lodged. Firing a subsequent bullet into the
obstructed bore may damage the rifle and cause
serious injury or death to the shooter and those
nearby. Use lubricants properly. You are responsible
for the proper care and maintenance of your firearms.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS 
						

							Never place or store any firearm in such a
manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms
should always be stored securely and
unloaded, away from children and careless
adults. Use the locking device supplied with
the rifle for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety lock is
only one aspect of responsible firearms
storage. For increased safety, firearms should
be stored unloaded in a location that is both
separate from their ammunition and
inaccessible to children and any other
unauthorized person.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
!WARNING – STORAGE
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE RIFLE FOR STORAGE.
(SEEPAGE6)
Do notstore the rifle in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture,
even though the case may appear to be perfectly dry.
TO RENDER THE RIFLE INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine, open the bolt,
and check the chamber to be sur
e the rifle is completely unloaded!Loosen barrel
band screw and slide barrel band forward off stock. Move safety button to
centered position and carefully lift barrel/receiver assembly out of the stock.
Drift out receiver cross pins to the left and remove trigger housing assembly and
bolt. Reassemble rifle without trigger housing assembly and bolt, which contain
the firing mechanism.
Store the rifle and the trigger housing assembly in different locations. When
disassembled in this manner, the rifle is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the
rifle until the trigger housing assembly and bolt have been correctly replaced
into the rifle.
To reassemble the rifle for firing, remove the barrel/receiver assembly from the
stock as above and reinstall the trigger housing and bolt. Replace the receiver
cross pins to secure the trigger housing to the receiver. With the safety in the
centered position, carefully reinstall the barrel/receiver/trigger housing into the
stock. Check to be sure the bolt, lever, trigger, and safety mechanisms can be
operated fully and freely. The rifle is now reassembled and can be loaded and
fired normally.
26 
						

							27
ATTACHING SCOPE BASE ADAPTER
(.22 & .17 HMR Caliber Rifles Only)
1. Swing lever fully downward to open bolt and push safety to “on” position. Be
sure gun is completely empty.
2. Unscrew the four filler (headless) screws from the receiver. These screws may
be quite tight.
3. Position adapter on receiver and place a base-mounting screw in each hole of
the adapter. Turn each screw until it just catches the threads in the receiver
hole, but don’t tighten the screws at this point.
4. Starting at the first screw, turn each screw part way in; then move to the next
screw, repeating the procedure until all four screws are snugly tightened.
5. Operate the lever to open and close the bolt several times, permitting it to
fully open and shut. If the bolt seems to bind, determine which screw is
binding the top of the bolt. If it is necessary to shorten a screw, be certain to
chamfer it so it does not cross thread the hole in the receiver.
6. Attach scope bases and scope to the adapter in accordance with their
instructions.
Scope mounting precautions:Do not remove the scope base filler screws (there
are four in the receiver) unless the supplied scope base adapter or other suitable
base is to be mounted with properly fitting screws. Do not deepen or alter the
screw holes that are in the Ruger Model 96. Do not place any sealant into the
screw holes in the receiver, as the sealant can drip into the bolt or receiver and
cause malfunctions.
Scope Base Adapter
While the rifle is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when
disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with
the supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun
safe or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults.
Guns should always be stored securely, unloaded
and separate from their
ammunition. 
						

							28
ATTACHING RUGER SCOPE RINGS
(.44 Magnum Rifles Only)
Each Ruger telescope ring is a mated assembly of a top and a base. Do not mix
the parts of the two ring assemblies as they are not interchangeable. On the
underside of each mounting ring assembly there is an integral lug, located off
center with respect to the front and back sides of the mount. The lug is nearer to
the front surface. By reference to the lug, the mounting ring can be correctly
assembled with the front of the ring toward the muzzle of the rifle.
1. Disassemble one ring and reassemble over the scope body between the turret
and the eyepiece. Remember - the lug on the base should be on the front side
of the scope.
2. Install the four top screws. Do not tighten.
3. Disassemble the other ring and install it on the forward section of the scope
tube with the lug forwardly also. Install the four top screws. Again, do not
tighten.
4. Assemble the rings to the receiver with the lugs engaging the recesses in the
top surface of the receiver. You may have to slide the scope rings along the
scope tube to properly locate them with the receiver recesses. Tighten the
clamp nuts so that the rings are locked to the semicircular cuts on the sides of
the receiver.
5. Rotate the scope until cross-hairs are aligned properly and slide scope to
desired eye relief. Then tighten the eight top screws each a bit at a time to grip
the scope body.
6. Sight in according to the directions with your scope.
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The folding leaf rear sight is adjustable for elevation. The slide must be moved
one graduation to change the point of impact by approximately one inch at 25
yards. Use a small screwdriver with a blade tip that exactly fits the screw-head.
Loosen the screws only slightly so the slide doesn’t move too freely. Move the
slide in the direction you want the point of impact of the bullet to move. When
the slide is positioned at the desired height, carefully tighten both screws.
Lateral (windage) adjustment is made by ‘drifting’ the sight base in its slot. Place
a short brass rod against the sight base (and only the base) and tap the sight in
the direction you wish to move the point of bullet impact. Before moving the
sight, pencil mark an index line on the sight base and rib so that sight movement
can be detected.
SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE
Top of front sight even with top of
rear sight slide. Front sight
centered in notch of rear sight
slide. Target bulls-eye centered on
top of front sight. 
						

							29
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER®
MODEL NINETY-SIXrifle please write or call (603-865-2442) our Product
Service Department in Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all
circumstances and conditions involved. If you should return your rifle to the
factory for repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the following
suggestions for prompt service:
WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM,
BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT AND ITS
MAGAZINE ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP
CARTRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.
!
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR
RUGER®MODEL NINETY-SIX rifles returned to the factory for repair
should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Product Service Department,
411 Sunapee St., Newport, New Hampshire 03773. Telephone (603) 865-2442.
Guns should be sent prepaid. We will not accept collect shipments.
The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most States and localities, do
not prohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or
possessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for
repair. However, before you ship your rifle to us, be certain that your State or
locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving
the rifle from us after it has been repaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then
please have a Federally Licensed firearms dealer ship the gun to us. If your rifle
is sent to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a
handgun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a
Federal Firearms License, it must be shipped via U.P.S. (Next Day Air) Persons
who do not hold a Federal Firearms License are prohibited by Federal law from
shipping a handgun by Mail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are
impounded by the Post Office.
Please do not include rifle case, sling, telescopic sights or custom accessories
with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN
BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS
– THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT. Rifles
and shotguns may be shipped via Parcel Post. Always insure your shipment.
Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial
number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have
experienced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Merely stating
that the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $12.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the RUGER
®MODEL
NINETY-SIXrifle is $50.00 plus a $12.00 shipping and handling charge.
Aluminum alloy components cannot be reblued. Custom gunsmithing service or
nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Product Service
Departments. 
						

							30
!WARNING – PARTS PURCHASERS
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely
certain that any parts ordered from the factory are
correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are
complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER
FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A
DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE
FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE
SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The
purchaser and installer of parts must accept full
responsibility for the correct adjustment and
functioning of the firearm after such installation.
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY
ORDERING PARTS
Please contact the New Hampshire Product Service Department for parts
availability and current prices. All part orders for theRUGER®MODEL
NINETY-SIXshould be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Product Service
Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773, 603-865-
2442. We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. orders. Payment in the
form of a check, money order, Visa or Mastercard must accompany your order.
Credit Card orders must include the account number, expiration date and
whether it is a Visa or Mastercard account. Minimum parts order is $1.00 plus
$3.50 shipping and handling charge. Order parts by Part Name and Part Number
and include the entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are being
ordered. There is a minimum net labor charge of $20.00 plus $12.00 shipping
and handling charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factory fitted parts are fit
on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts.
*Parts designated by an asterisk must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on
an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return
any part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See
“Warning – Parts Purchasers” above.
CAUTION: A gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning,
or badly worn parts should not be fired.! 
						

							31
RUGER
®
MODEL NINETY-SIX
PARTS LIST
Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice
.
SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING
(See Exploded Views Pages 36, 37 & 38)
Part Name Part No. Model
* Barrel 0L8001 96/22 Long Rifle
* Barrel 0L8002 96/22 Magnum
* Barrel 0L8003 96/44 Magnum
* Barrel 0L8004 96/17
Barrel Band L06801 96/22 Long Rifle, 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
Barrel Band L06821 96/44 Magnum
Barrel Band Screw B-69 All Models
Barrel Retainer, V-Block B-66 96/22 Long Rifle, 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
Barrel Retainer Screw, 2 Req’d. B-67 96/22 Long Rifle, 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
* Bolt Only KL01001 96/22 Long Rifle
* Bolt Only KL01002 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
* Bolt Only KL01021 96/44 Magnum
* Bolt Assembly, Complete KL21001 96/22 Long Rifle
* Bolt Assembly, Complete KL21002 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
* Bolt Assembly, Complete KL21021 96/44 Magnum
Bolt Link Pin L04900 All Models
* Bolt Stop Pin L00601A 96/22 Long Rifle, 96/22 Magnum, 96/17
Butt Plate C-63 All Models