Ruger Mini 30 Rifle Instruction Manual

							42
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 CHAR-
ACTERISTICS 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 avoid-
ing accidental discharge and the vari-
ous proper procedures for loading
and unloading. No person should
handle any firearm without first hav-
ing 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 unload-
ing a firearm. In the event of an acci-
dental 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®
IN
S
T
R
U
C
T
IO
N
 M
A
N
U
A
L  R
EA
D
 TH
E IN
STR
U
C
TIO
N
S
  A
N
D
 W
A
R
N
IN
G
S IN
 TH
IS
  M
A
N
U
A
L C
A
R
EFU
LLY
 B
EFO
R
E
  U
SIN
G
 TH
IS FIR
EA
R
M
.  
						

							43
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may pene-
trate 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 unfamil-
iar 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
4 
						

							44
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 hunt-
ing, 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 protec-
tive shooting glasses and ade-
quate 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!  
						

							8. DON’T SHOOT AT A
HARD SURFACE, OR AT
WATER.
Bullets can glance off many sur-
faces 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 shoot-
ing is over. Handling firearms
while under the influence of alco-
hol in any form, or medications
that could affect your judgement
or co-ordination, constitutes a
criminal disregard for the safety
of others.
45 
						

							ABRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY
ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS
One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose manage-
ment 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 52-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 2001 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 organiza-
tions. The company has always endeavored to market its firearms for con-
structive 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.
46 
						

							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 war-
ranty. 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 pro-
vide 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 war-
ranties 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.