SIG SAUER P556 - Manual (Page 21)

P556 Pistol Operators Manual
21
1511582 VER 08.01.08
Bolt Catch Lever
The P556 pistol is equipped with a bolt catch lever. The
purpose of the bolt catch lever is two-fold. The bolt catch may be
manually engaged with the bolt pulled to the rear (open position).
This action locks the bolt open, allowing an unobstructed view
of the chamber area. During firing, with a magazine inserted, the
bolt catch will lock the bolt open after the last round in the
magazine has been expended, giving a visual indication the
magazine is empty and allowing the shooter to visually check that
the chamber is clear. The bolt is engaged by the bolt catch lever
when the bolt catch lever is pushed upward by the magazine
follower during the cycle of operation. The bolt can be manually
released (closed) by either depressing the bolt catch lever or by
pulling rearward on the charging handle and releasing.
CAUTION
: Dropping or jarring the pistol with the bolt locked
open can cause the bolt catch lever to disengage. If a maga-
zine, loaded with ammunition, is inserted in the pistol when this
occurs, a round will chamber with the potential for an
unintentional discharge. ALWAYS handle the pistol as if loaded
whenever a magazine is inserted in the pistol. ALWAYS place
the safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position and unload the pistol
whenever shooting is complete.