Ruger MINI-14 - Manual (Page 20)

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2. When attempting to free a jammed cartridge, 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. Never use a cartridge as a “tool”.
3. After clearing a jam, inspect the gun mechanism to determine if dirt or debris
might be the cause of the problem. Excess lubricant or grease can cause
cartridges to feed sluggishly. An accumulation of grease, dirt or powder grains
in the magazine can contribute to cartridge feeding problems.
4. After clearing a jam, inspect all cartridges that have been removed from the
gun. Safely dispose of any cartridges which are dented or nicked or have
bullets that are loose or improperly positioned in the cartridge case.
5. If it appears that the gun and magazine are not at fault and that the jam was
caused by the type of cartridge being used, then try another type.
6. If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliable feeding firearm,
don’t use the gun until it feeds cartridges smoothly and reliably. The rifle
should be returned directly to our Newport Product Service Department for
repair. See the “Service and Parts” section p. 33, for packing and shipping
information.
Another precaution: Form the habit of examining fired cartridge cases from time
to time. If fired cases have bulged heads or show splits on any part of the case,
stop using that ammunition and return the rifle to the factory for inspection.
(See pages 33 - 34)
7. If a cartridge or shell is caught between the bolt and receiver, put the safety
“ON”, retract the slide, and lock it in the open position. Remove the magazine;
then remove the jammed case.
8. If a fired case is in the chamber, use a cleaning rod to knock it out.
9. If an unfired cartridge is stuck in the chamber, remove it from the breech-end
rather than trying to dislodge it with a cleaning rod inserted from the muzzle.
Use a piece of 3/16” brass rod which has one end shaped like a screwdriver tip.
Insert the tip in the extractor groove of the cartridge, use the face of the
receiver ring as a fulcrum and carefully pry out the cartridge.
Be careful not to
strike the primer area of the live cartridge! Vigorously brush-clean the
chamber with solvent after clearing any jam involving the chamber.
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)
Autoloading firearms of all makes and types occasionally malfunction when a
cartridge fails to feed from the magazine to the chamber, or when a cartridge (or
fired case) fails to properly extract and eject.
To minimize the possibility of such occurrences the gun user should:
1. Use ammunition of the correct caliber and type which is loaded to Industry
Specifications. Avoid reloads, remanufactured cartridges, and cartridges that
are dirty, corroded, or deformed.
(See “Ammunition Warning”, p. 11)
2. Clean and lubricate the gun in accordance with the instructions in this
manual.