Ruger M77 - Manual (Page 14)

When firing the M77 ® Hawkeye rifle, be sure
that bystanders are well clear of the shooter and
standing a safe distance to the rear. Empty
cartridge cases are hot and are normally ejected
from the rifle to the right. They could cause
injury to any person who is standing too closely
alongside the shooter. Shooters who fire right-
handed rifles from their left shoulder should be
particularly cautious concerning ejected
cartridge cases and the back of the bolt as it is
drawn rearward.
EJECTED BRASS IS HOT
15
TO UNLOAD RIFLE AND MAGAZINE
(Keep the Rifle Pointed in a Safe Direction)
UNLOAD THE RIFLE IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED SHOOTING.
1. Move the safety selector to the “Load-Unload” position if the firing pin is
cocked.
2. Lift the bolt handle fully and then pull it completely to the rear to eject
chambered cartridge.
3. Inspect the chamber to be certain the cartridge has been extracted. Leave bolt
open. Do not unload magazine by feeding cartridges into chamber.
4. Push rearward the small latch in the front of the trigger guard to open the
hinged floorplate and empty the cartridges from the magazine. Hold the other
hand under the floorplate so as to retard the opening of the spring loaded
floorplate and catch the cartridges in the palm of the hand.
5. Close the bolt fully.
6. Move the safety selector in the “Fire” position and with the rifle pointed in a
safe direction, pull the trigger.
To fire the rifle: When a cartridge is chambered and the rifle is pointed in a safe
direction, put the safety in the “Fire” position. Pulling (squeezing) the trigger
will discharge the cartridge.
Always be certain that you know where the bullet
will strike when you fire the rifle. Never allow the thumb to touch the cocking
piece when firing as it can be pinched when the cocking piece moves forward to
fire the rifle.
WARNING —FIRING