Ruger M77 - Manual (Page 16)

17
WARNING — MALFUNCTIONS
➞
If a cartridge hangs up, jams, or binds when
being chambered or when being fed from the
magazine into the chamber,
do not attempt to
force it into the chamber by pushing or striking
the bolt handle.
Most failures of a cartridge to feed or to
chamber are caused by improper loading of the
magazine or ammunition that is incorrect or
defective.
Whatever the cause, the gun user must, above
all, recognize that jams can result in the very
potentially dangerous situation of a cartridge
discharging before it is chambered. If this
occurs, the cartridge case will rupture and its
fragments will fly out of the gun with sufficient
force to cause injury. Always wear shooting
glasses and hearing protectors!
STRIKING PRIMER CAN
BURST CARTRIDGE
–When attempting to extract a cartridge that is “stuck” in the chamber do
not use any type of tool that is likely to act as a “firing pin” and discharge
the cartridge should the tool impact on the primer.
–After clearing a jam, inspect the gun mechanism to determine if dirt might
be the cause of the problem. Excess lubricant or grease can cause
cartridges to feed sluggishly or fail to extract. An accumulation of grease or
dirt on the face of the bolt, under the extractor, in the chamber, or in the
magazine can contribute to cartridge feeding problems. (See section on
“Care and Cleaning” page 22.)
–After clearing a jam, inspect all cartridges that have been removed from
the gun. Safely dispose of any cartridges which are in any way damaged.
–If it appears that the rifle is not at fault and that the jam was caused by the
type of cartridge being used, then try another type.
–Examine your fired cartridge cases. If they have split, blown or bulged
heads, stop using that ammunition and promptly return the rifle to the
factory for examination.
–If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliable feeding
firearm, don’t use the rifle. The RUGER ® M77 ® Hawkeye ® can be
returned directly to our Newport Product Service Department for
inspection and repair, if required. See the “Service and Parts Policy”
section of the manual for packing and shipping information.