Ruger 77/50 - Manual (Page 19)

Never carry the rifle loaded with the
safety selector in the “FIRE” position.
If
dropped or struck with the safety off, the
rifle may fire. Such a discharge can occur
with or without the trigger being directly
struck or touched.
Never rest a loaded
rifle against any object (wall, fence,
vehicle, tree, etc.) because there is always
the possibility that the rifle will be jarred
or slide from its position and fall with
sufficient force to discharge. Keep safety
“on” unless actually firing.
Never lower (uncock) the striker onto a
percussion cap of a loaded rifle. Under
such circumstances the striker will be in
direct contact with the percussion cap
and a light accidental blow to the striker
can readily cause the gun to discharge.
If the rifle is dropped, the bullet should
be fully reseated against the powder
charge, or it might act as an obstruction
and cause the barrel to burst upon firing.
When afield, periodically check to see if
your bullet has remained fully seated on
the powder charge by inserting the
ramrod and pushing the projectile fully
downward onto the powder.
ANY GUN MAY FIRE IF
DROPPED
19
DRY-FIRING: Going through the actions of cocking, aiming, and pulling the
trigger of an unloaded gun is known as “Dry Firing.” The Ruger Model 77/50
should not be dry-fired, as damage to the nipple may occur, which can prevent
the flame from the cap from fitting on the nipple correctly, or can prevent the
cap flame from igniting the powder charge.
!
3
2
1 SAFE
LOAD-
UNLOAD
FIRE
WARNING – MISHANDLING
Best results are obtained by cleaning the bore after each shot, before
reloading. Soak a patch in black powder solvent or bore lubricant, place it
over the front end of the ramrod, push it completely into the bore, and pull it
completely out of the muzzle. If it is difficult to remove, push the patch back
down and then up until it can be removed. This “swabbing” after each shot
makes reloading much easier.
Never try to reload another projectile if it is
excessively difficult to push down the barrel -- you may not fully seat it on the
powder charge and it may act as a bore obstruction, resulting in a burst
barrel and possible serious injury to the shooter or bystanders.
Instead, open
the bolt, pull the projectile out of the muzzle, empty out all powder, and
clean the barrel thoroughly before reloading.