Winchester Repeating Arms 1873 - Manual (Page 4)

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3 whenever you handle any FirearM, or hand
it to soMeone, always oPen the action
iMMediately and visually checK the
FirearM’s chaMber to MaKe certain that
the FirearM is coMPletely unloaded.
Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently
contain any ammunition. Remember, merely
removing the magazine does not mean the chamber
is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and
the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting
is imminent.
4 always wear ear and eye Protection
when shooting.
Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can
cause hearing damage. Wear hearing protection
(shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against
such damage.
Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from
flying particles. Allow proper distance (eye relief)
between a scope and your eye when firing a scoped
pistol, rifle or shotgun. Do not use unorthodox
shooting methods that could cause the rearward
travel of the slide or bolt of a firearm to contact
your eyes, face or hands. Always keep a safe
distance between the muzzle of your firearm and
any persons nearby, as muzzle blast, debris and
ejecting cartridges could inflict serious injury.
Always wear eye protection when disassembling
and cleaning any firearm to prevent the possibility
of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other
agents from contacting your eyes.
5 KeeP all FirearMs unloaded during
transPort, even when stored in a holster,
gun case, scabbard or other container.
6 droPPing or jarring a loaded FirearM can
cause accidental discharge.
This can occur even with the “safety” in the
on safe position. Be extremely careful while
hunting or during any shooting activity to avoid
dropping any firearm.
7 hunting FroM elevated surFaces such as
treestands is dangerous.
Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a
firearm. The following rules should always be
observed by you and those you hunt with. Always
make certain that the stand being used is safe and
stable. Always make certain that your firearm is
unloaded when it is being taken up and down
from the stand. Always make certain that your
firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped
while it is being taken up or down from the stand.
Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge
when dropped, even with the “safety” in the
on safe position.
8 store your FirearM and aMMunition
seParately, well beyond the reach
oF children.
Take prudent safeguards to ensure your firearm
does not become available to untrained,
inexperienced or unwelcome hands. Store all
firearms in secure, locked cases or a gun safe.
Keep your firearm unloaded when not in use.
9 beware oF barrel obstructions.
Mud, snow and an infinite variety of other objects
may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It only
takes a small obstruction to cause dangerously
increased pressures that can damage your firearm
and cause serious injury to yourself and others.
beFore checKing For a barrel
obstruction, be certain your FirearM is
coMPletely unloaded, there is not a live
cartridge in the chaMber and the
“saFety” is in the on saFe Position.
After assuring yourself that the firearm is
completely unloaded, open the breech or action
and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of
obstructions. If an obstruction is seen, no matter
how small it may be, clean the bore with a
cleaning rod and patch as described on pages
28-30 of this owner’s manual.