Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle Instruction Manual

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THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING
We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful
purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that
ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a
way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in
a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction,
and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
Firearms do not cause accidents! Firearms accidents are almost always found to
have been the result of carelessness, or ignorance on the part of the shooter of the
basic rules of safe gun handling.
The following rules must be observed by gun users at all times. Safe gun handling
is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to your safety, the safety of others, and
the continuation of gun ownership and sport shooting as we know it today.
1. LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING.
Not all firearms are the same. The
method of carrying and handling
firearms varies in accordance with
the mechanical provisions for
avoiding accidental discharge and the
various proper procedures for loading
and unloading. No person should
handle any firearm without first
having thoroughly familiarized
himself with the particular type of
firearm he is using, and with safe gun
handling in general.
2. ALWAYS KEEP THE
MUZZLE POINTED IN A
SAFE DIRECTION.
Be sure of the bullet stop behind
your target, even when dry-firing.
Never let the muzzle of a firearm
point at any part of your body or at
another person. This is particularly
important when loading or
unloading a firearm. In the event of
an accidental discharge, no injury
can occur as long as the muzzle is
pointing in a safe direction. A safe
direction means a direction which
will not permit a discharged bullet to
strike a person, or to strike an object
from which the bullet may ricochet.
               RUGER®
INSTRUCTION MANUAL  READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
  AND WARNINGS IN THIS
  MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE
  USING THIS FIREARM.
  
						

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A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may
penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or
damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of
your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are
always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even
if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready
to shoot.
3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN
USE
.
Firearms should be loaded only
when you are in the field or on the
target range or shooting area,
ready to shoot. Firearms and
ammunition should be securely
locked in safes, racks or cabinets,
or by using the locking device
supplied with the firearm, when
not in use. Ammunition should
safely be stored separate from
firearms. Store your firearms out
of sight of visitors and children. It
is the gun owner’s responsibility to
be certain that children and
persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms,
ammunition, or components.
4. BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE SHOOTING.
Even a bit of mud, snow or excess
lubricating oil or grease in the
bore may cause the barrel to
bulge, or even burst on firing, and
can cause serious injury to the
shooter and bystanders. Be sure
that you are using ammunition of
the proper caliber and loading for
the gun you are using. If the
report or recoil on firing seems
weak, or doesn’t seem quite right,
CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY,
unload your firearm, and check to
be sure that no obstruction has
become lodged in the barrel. Never try to shoot out an obstruction!
1
3a
2
Safety
 ON
3b
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5. BE SURE OF YOUR
TARGET BEFORE YOU
SHOOT.
Don’t shoot unless you know
exactly where your bullet is going
to strike. Be sure of the bullet
stop behind your target, even
when dry-firing with an unloaded
gun. If you are in the field
hunting, do not fire at a
movement or noise. Take the time
to be absolutely certain of your
target before you pull the trigger.
6. WEAR SHOOTING
GLASSES AND HEARING
PROTECTORS WHEN
YOU SHOOT.
All shooters should wear
protective shooting glasses and
adequate hearing protectors when
shooting. Exposure to shooting
noise can damage hearing, and
adequate eye protection when
shooting is essential.
7. NEVER CLIMB A TREE
OR FENCE WITH A
LOADED FIREARM.
Put the firearm down carefully
before climbing a fence, and
unload it before climbing or
descending a tree or jumping over
a ditch or other obstruction. Never
pull or push a loaded firearm
toward yourself or another person.
When in doubt, or whenever you
are about to do anything awkward,
unload your gun!  
						

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8. DON’T SHOOT AT A
HARD SURFACE, OR AT
WATER.
Bullets can glance off many
surfaces like rocks or the surface
of water and travel in
unpredictable directions with
considerable velocity.
9. NEVER TRANSPORT A
LOADED FIREARM.
Firearms should always be
unloaded before being placed in a
vehicle. A suitable carrying case
or scabbard should be used to
carry an unloaded firearm to and
from the shooting area.
10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC
BEVERAGES WHEN
SHOOTING.
Don’t drink until the day’s
shooting is over. Handling
firearms while under the
influence of alcohol in any form,
or medications that could affect
your judgement or co-ordination,
constitutes a criminal disregard
for the safety of others. 
						

							A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY
ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS
One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has
remained unchanged since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger &
Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a
rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with
an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and
Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .22 caliber autoloading pistol
– a design which was so successful that it became the cornerstone upon
which one of the most comprehensive lines of sporting firearms ever
made in America was established. After Alex Sturm’s death in 1951,
William B. Ruger continued to direct the company alone and today, as
Chairman Emeritus of the Board, he continues to provide the guidance
which has made this 53-year-old company a sound and successful
enterprise.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, in this relatively short time, has established
itself as a leading small arms design organization, developing a unique
and broad line of fine quality sporting, military and police firearms to
become one of the world’s most famous producers of revolvers, pistols,
rifles and shotguns. From 1949 thru 2002 Ruger craftsmen have built
many millions of firearms.
During its five decades of growth and progress under the leadership of
William B. Ruger, the company has developed a business philosophy and
implemented policies which represent a constructive influence in the life
of modern America. From the beginning, Sturm, Ruger & Company
played a positive role in conservation efforts and has supported the
interests of shooters through such groups as the National Rifle
Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and many regional
sportsmen’s organizations. The company has always endeavored to market
its firearms for constructive and recreational purposes, to emphasize the
traditional aspects of shooting, to render meaningful public services and
to encourage shooters in constructive, responsible, and safe participation
in the shooting sports.
Today, Sturm, Ruger & Company is particularly mindful of those
elements which have contributed to the creation of its success, and
extends heartfelt thanks to its many loyal employees and customers.
A current catalog of Ruger firearms is available free upon request to
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., Southport, CT 06490.
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							WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN
PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM
The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any
seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written
warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be
designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a
“full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. has elected not to
provide any written warranty, either “limited” or “full”, rather than to
attempt to comply with the provisions of the Magnuson-Moss Act and
the regulations issued thereunder. There are certain implied
warranties under state law with respect to sales of consumer goods. As
the extent and interpretation of these implied warranties varies from
state to state, you should refer to your state statutes. Sturm, Ruger &
Company wishes to assure its customers of its continued interest in
providing service to owners of Ruger firearms.
STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.
Southport, Connecticut 06490 U.S.A.
http://www.ruger.com
“Arms Makers For Responsible Citizens”
A COPY OF THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR ANY RUGER
FIREARM IS AVAILABLE FROM THE FACTORY FREE ON REQUEST.
THESE INSTRUCTION MANUALS CONTAIN IMPORTANT
WARNINGS WHICH MUST BE UNDERSTOOD
BEFORE USING THESE FIREARMS.
“RUGER”, the Sturm, Ruger logo, “SINGLE-SIX”, “BLACKHAWK”, “REDHAWK”, “SECURITY-SIX”,
“SPEED-SIX”, “SERVICE-SIX”,  “BEARCAT”, “OLD ARMY”, “10/22”, “MINI-14”, “MINI THIRTY”,
“RANCH RIFLE”, “M77”, “77/22”, “GP-100”, “SP101”, “P-85” and “VAQUERO”
are registered U.S. trademarks.
“77/50” is a Ruger trademark.