Ruger MINI-14 - Manual (Page 28)

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CARE AND CLEANING
BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE RIFLE AND ITS MAGAZINE
CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES.
At regular intervals, or whenever the rifle has been exposed to sand, dust,
extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse
conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential
to the reliable functioning of any firearm.
To clean the rifle, proceed as follows:
1. Disassemble (field-strip) the rifle to the extent described on pages 23 - 25.
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 rifle.
WARNING – LUBRICATION
Firing a rifle with oil, grease, or any other
material even partially obstructing the bore
may result in damage to the rifle 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 firing may push the bullet into
the bore where it may be lodged. Firing a
subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may
damage the rifle 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.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS