Owner's Manual

The hammer would continue past

the half-cock position to the

dropped or fired position and the

gun could discharge.

LOWERING THE HAMMER

ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE

POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS

WARNING COULD RESULT IN

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

A wise practice to follow is to place the thumb extended over the

hammer with the point of the thumb just over the “V” between the

hammer and the firing pin so that it can act as a cushion against

accidental hammer fall, and at the same time, ease the hammer into

the half-cock notch (Figure 5). When a scope is mounted on the rifle,

it is necessary to insert the point of the thumb more from the side. A

little practice with an empty rifle will enable you to become adept at

using the thumb in either manner.

If a cartridge has been chambered in anticipation of an imminent

shot, the hammer should be carefully lowered to the half-cock

position and the folding hammer rotated forward. Remember, when

a shot is no longer imminent, unload the chamber of your rifle by

operating the lever downward. With the lever still in the downward

position, remove the magazine from the rifle, inspect the chamber to

make sure all cartridges have been removed from the rifle. Return the

lever to the closed position, re-insert the magazine and return the

hammer to the half-cock, folded down position.

ENGAGING THE FOLDING HAMMER

In the half-cock position, the upper portion of the hammer can be

rotated forward with the thumb, to position the hammer against the

rear of the bolt, without coming in contact with the rear of the firing

FIGURE 5

Lowering the hammer.