Ruger P97 Double Action Only Instructions Manual

							5.  If the magazine contains cartridges, they can be removed by sliding each 
cartridge forward and out of magazine, one at a time, until the magazine is
empty.
6.  Push empty (unloaded) magazine into frame until magazine latch locks it in
place.
12
WARNING - SLIDE RETRACTION
The slide should always be pulled
rearward (“retracted”) by pulling the
r
earportion of the slide in the vicinity
of the safety, the decock-only lever,
or the serrations (depending upon 
model). Always keep fingers away
from trigger!
Never put any part of your hands or 
body over the muzzle while retracting
the slidefor loading, unloading, inspec-
tion, or clearing a malfunction.
KEEP HANDS
AWAY FROM MUZZLE AND
FINGER OFF TRIGGER
!
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
2
13 
						

							13
TO RELOAD THE PISTOL
1.  Firing all cartridges in the magazine and the chamber will cause the slide to
automatically lock open. Keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction.Reloading
can be accomplished by pressing inward from the left side of the magazine latch
with the thumb or forefinger. The magazine will fall free of the pistol of its own
weight. To avoid the possibility of damage to the magazine, do not let it fall to
the ground unless rapid reloading is absolutely necessary.
2.  Insert a loaded magazine. WARNING:The slide stop is held in place by a
spring detent. Therefore, when there is a loaded magazine in place and the
pistol is jarred, the slide can fly forward and chamber a cartridge. For this reason
and as an essential safety practice, the shooter’s fingers should always be fully
outside the trigger guard except when the shooter is positioned to fire the gun at
a selected target.
3.  Release the slide to move forward by either depressing the rear portion of the
slide stop or pulling the slide fully to the rear, depress the slide stop, and release
the slide. A cartridge will be chambered when the slide shuts. WARNING:The
pistol will be reloaded and is ready to fire “double-action” by a complete pull of
the trigger. Be careful! When you are finished firing the pistol, unload it com-
pletely.
TO EXTRACT AND
EJECT A CHAMBERED CARTRIDGE
When the pistol is fired, the same gas pressure that drives the bullet forward
also acts through the cartridge case to push the slide to the rear. The action
causes extraction and ejection of the fired cartridge case. If a cartridge fails to
fire or if the shooter wishes to eject the chambered cartridge manually, follow 
the procedure “To Unload” step 3, p. 11. When the slide is operated by hand,
there can be a failure to extract the cartridge from the chamber, or a failure to
eject the cartridge clear of the pistol. These failures usually are the result of the
slide not being pulled rearward vigorously. From the foregoing, it is clear that
the gun user must:
1.  Always visually check the chamber and the br
eech-face after opening theslide to eject a chambered cartridge.If the slide is not vigorously retracted
when being operated by hand, the extracted cartridge can be “ejected” into the
magazine-well of the grip frame or remain held to the breech-face by the 
extractor.
2.  Thor
oughly clean the chamber and the extractor as often as necessary.
If an empty magazine is in the pistol when the slide is being hand retracted to
extract a cartridge, the cartridge may drop on top of the magazine or remain
held to the breech-face by the extractor. Then when the slide goes forward, the
cartridge will be chambered again! Remember — always remove the magazine
befor
e clearing the chamber, and visually ensure that no cartridges remain in
the gun. 
						

							Any autoloading pistol may occasionally malfunc-
tion. If a cartridge hangs up, jams, or binds when
being chambered, do not attempt to force it into
the chamber by pushing or striking the slide.
Carefully remove it.
Most failures of a cartridge to feed or to chamber 
properly are caused by a damaged magazine,
incorrect gun handling, insufficient lubrication,
or improper ammunition.
Whatever the cause, the user of the pistol must,
above all, recognize that any cartridge jam can
result in the very potentially dangerous situation
of a cartridge discharging before it is properly
chambered. If this happens, the cartridge case
may rupture and its fragments fly out of the ejec-
tion port of the pistol with sufficient force to
cause serious injury. Always wear shooting
glasses!
HITTING PRIMER
CAN BURST CARTRIDGE
14
!
TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)
1.  Be certain the muzzle is continually pointed in a safe direction.
2.  If possible, first remove the magazine. It may be necessary to manually
remove a jammed cartridge that has only been partially stripped from the 
magazine. If so, use extreme care. Lock the slide open with the slide stop
before attempting to clear the jam. Drawing the slide fully to the rear may bring
the jammed cartridge along. Keep your face away from the ejection port during
this operation. When attempting to clear a jam, use only wood “tools” so that 
the cartridge will not be damaged or the primer ignited. A 3/16” wooden dowel
with a point on one end is useful.
3.  Visually check to make sure that all cartridges have been removed from the 
pistol. Safely dispose of any cartridges involved in a malfunction incident. Do not
use damaged ammunition in any firearm.
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)
1.  If it appears that the jam was caused by the type of ammunition being used,
try another brand, type, or lot number. Remember — use only factory ammuni-
tion of the correct type.
2.  If changing ammunition does not at once eliminate malfunctions, then the
following steps should be taken:
WARNING - MALFUNCTIONS  
						

							Always unload a firearm
before cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly or assembly.
UNLOAD BEFORE DISASSEMBLY
WARNING - DISASSEMBLY!
a.  Thoroughly clean the pistol, paying particular attention to the removal of
accumulated grease and dirt. Use a bristle brush and solvent to remove 
grease and fouling from the breech-face, extractor, chamber, and feed
ramp area immediately behind the chamber.
b. Check to be sure that the magazine spring firmly returns the magazine
follower to the top of the magazine.
c. Check the magazine lips to be certain that they are free of nicks and
burrs and that they are not deformed or cracked.
d. Remove excess oil and solvent from all cleaned components, load the
magazine, and try the pistol again. Make sure you are following the 
correct loading and firing sequence as described in this manual.
e. If none of the above steps is effective, try a different magazine of Ruger
manufacture. If a new magazine does not function correctly, return the
pistol and magazines to the Ruger Product Service Department. (See
Shipping Firearms For Repair” on page 20.)
f.Alterations to the pistol or use of non-Ruger magazines and accessories
may cause malfunctions. See “Alteration Warning” on page 4.
15
2
13
TO DISASSEMBLE
Be sure pistol is unloaded!
1.  Keep pistol pointed in a safe direction. Press forward on the magazine latch
and withdraw magazine from butt of pistol.
2.  Pull slide to rear and lock in open position by pressing upward on rear end
of slide stop. Again, be sure chamber is empty!
3.  Keep upwar
d pressure on slide stop to prevent forward movement of slide.Open slide is under strong spring tension and could injure fingers if allowed to
slam shut. Insert finger through top of slide and push ejector downward and 
forward (see Figure 1, p. 16) until it locks in its lower position. This will permit 
forward movement of slide. Further disassembly is impossible unless this is
done. 
						

							4.  Remove fingers from ejection port. Grasp slide tightly. Now press down on
slide stop and allow slide to move slowlyforward until the vertical disassembly
line on the frame is aligned with the vertical disassembly line on the slide (See
Figure 2, below). Press in on right-hand end of slide stop and pull slide stop out
of frame to the left until it is withdrawn completely out of the frame. (See Figure
3, below).
5.  Push slide forward and remove entire slide assembly to the front.
6.  Note:Camblock is under strong spring tension. With slide held upside down,
lift rear end of camblock/recoil spring assembly to disengage it from its seat
against the barrel lug. Withdraw the camblock/recoil spring assembly to the rear
of the slide.
7. Pull barrel upward out of slide slightly and withdraw to the rear.
8. This completes normal fieldstripping for routine cleaning and lubrication
purposes. Further disassembly of slide or frame components is not
recommended and should only be undertaken by the factory.
16
DEPRESS
EJECTOR2
1REMOVE
MAGAZINE3ALIGN
INDEX MARKS
PULL OUT
SLIDE STOP4
DISASSEMBLY
NOTCH
FIGURE 1
Press slide stop up. Depress ejector.FIGURE 2
Index marks aligned.
FIGURE 3
Slide stop in disassembly position.(Decocker Model Shown) 
						

							TO REASSEMBLE
1.BE CERTAIN CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE ARE EMPTY.
2.  With slide held upside down, replace barrel and push it rearward into its
locked position.
3.  Replace camblock and recoil spring into position. Rear end of camblock seats
against barrel lug. 
4.  Be certain that ejector is locked in its lower (forward) position and that
hammer is in its fired (uncocked) position.
5.  Replace slide onto frame. Par
tiallyinsert slide stop into frame.
6.  Pull slide back until disassembly line on frame is aligned with disassembly
line on slide stop. Now push slide stop all the way through the frame to the
right.
7.  Allow slide to move fully forward.
8.  Replace empty magazine in frame through butt of pistol. This action
returns the ejector to its working position. This pistol will not function
normally unless the ejector is in its upward (rearward) position.
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND CARE
Check the magazine frequently. The magazine follower must move freely and
have adequate spring tension so that each cartridge is quickly raised to the feed-
ing position. The magazine lips should be clean and free of cracks, dents, or
nicks, so that cartridges are held in their proper feeding position.
If the magazine becomes dirty, it should be disassembled and thoroughly
cleaned.
Snap-On Base- Use a punch to press in on the magazine spring seat where it
protrudes into the hole in the magazine floorplate. Slide the magazine 
floorplate toward the front of the magazine, taking care to prevent the forcible
ejection of the magazine spring seat and compressed magazine spring.
Withdraw magazine spring seat and magazine spring from magazine body.
Turn magazine upside down and remove magazine follower. Reassemble 
in reverse order.
When cleaning is necessary, use a solvent that will not rust the metal compo-
nents or adversely affect the magazine follower. 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. Penetrating oils and solvents inside a magazine can “kill” or weak-
en cartridge primers, which can result in failures to fire or other possibly dan-
gerous malfunctions, such as leaving a bullet in the bore!
After cleaning, check to be certain that the magazine follower movement and
spring tension are correct, and that no solvent or debris remain. Improper
reassembly of the magazine spring can cause a potentially dangerous malfunc-
tion. If cleaning does not restore proper tension, or if you experience a problem
with the magazine, don’t use it. Get a new one.
17 
						

							CARE AND CLEANING
Be Sure Gun Is Unloaded!
BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE PISTOL AND ITS MAGAZINE CONTAIN
NO CARTRIDGES. (See “Unloading Warning”, p.11)
At regular intervals, or whenever the pistol has been exposed to sand, dust,
extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse condi-
tions, disassemble, clean, and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential to
the reliable functioning of any firearm.
To clean the pistol, proceed as follows:
1.  Disassemble (fieldstrip) the pistol to the extent described on pages 15 & 16.
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 pistol.
18
WARNING - LUBRICATION
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS
!
Firing a pistol with oil, grease, or any other material
even partially obstructing the bore may result in damage
to the pistol 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 fir-
ing may push the bullet into the bore where it may be
lodged. Firing a subsequent bullet into the obstructed
bore may damage the pistol 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. 
						

							5.  Before firing, remove all oil and grease from the bore. Do not keep the
pistol stored in a leather holster or case. Leather attracts moisture, even
though the holster or case may appear to be perfectly dry.
19
Never place or store any firearm in such
a manner that it may be dislodged.
Firearms should always be stored secure-
ly and unloaded, away from children and
careless adults.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
WARNING - STORAGE!
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The RUGER®P97DAOpistols are equipped with a rear sight which is
adjustable for windage only. After the rear-sight lock screw has been loosened
(for those pistols equipped with a rear sight lock screw), the rear sight can be
drifted laterally in its dovetail on the top of the slide by tapping it with a wooden-
or plastic-headed hammer or similar implement. Move the rear sight in the
direction you want the shot to move on the target. After the rear sight is adjust-
ed, tighten the rear-sight lock screw. The front sight is fixed. Both front and rear
sights are provided with white-dot inserts for rapid target acquisition and easy
alignment of the sights to obtain a correct sight picture.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any questions with regard to the performance of your RUGER®
P97DAO pistol, please call (520) 778-6555 or write to our Product Service
Department in Prescott, Arizona, fully describing all circumstances and condi-
tions involved. If you should return your pistol 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.
! 
						

							20
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR
RUGER®P97DAOpistols returned to the factory for services or repair
should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., Product Service Department,
200 Ruger Road, Prescott, AZ 86301-6181. Telephone: (520)778-6555.
Guns  should be sent prepaid. W
e 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 pos-
sessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for
repair. However, before you ship your pistol to us, be certain that your State or
locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving
the pistol 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 pistol
is sent to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a hand-
gun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a Federal
Firearms License, it must be shipped via U.P.S. 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 holster, custom grip panels, or accessories with a firearm
being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN BOXES OR LITER-
ATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS – THESE ARE
INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN SHIPMENT.Always insure your
shipment.
Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, and
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. Please enclose
copies of any previous correspondence.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $15.00 plus a $5.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for metal refinishing the RUGER
®
P97DAO pistol (except the synthetic grip frame, which we cannot refinish) is
$35.00, plus a $5.00 shipping and handling charge. Custom gunsmithing service
or nonstandard alterations are NOT AVAILABLEfrom Ruger Product Service
Departments. 
						

							21
ORDERING PARTS
Please contact the Arizona Parts Department for parts availability and current
prices. All parts orders for the RUGER®P97DAOshould be sent to: Sturm,
Ruger & Company, Inc., Parts Department, 200 Ruger Road, Prescott AZ 86301-
6181. We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. requests. 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 a
$3.50 shipping and handling charge. Order parts by Part Number and Part
Name, include the entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are
being ordered. There is a minimum net labor charge of $15.00 plus $5.00 ship-
ping and handling charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factory-fitted parts
are fitted on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts.
Because it is a serial numbered component, the Ruger autoloading pistol frame
(part number V00285) is defined as a “firearm” by Federal law and is not sold as
a separate component.
*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!!
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY
WARNING - PARTS PURHASERS!
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 pistol after
such installation.