Owner's Manual

Commandment #6

If Your Gun Fails to Fire When the Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care

If a cartridge or shell does not fire when the trigger is pulled, follow

Commandment #1 and keep the firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe

direction. Keep the muzzle down range with the action closed and wait at least

30 seconds (to ensure that the ammunition is not delayed in firing) before carefully

opening the action, unloading the firearm and safely disposing of the ammunition.

Commandment #7

Always Wear Eye and Ear Protection When Shooting

Exposure to shooting noise can permanently damage hearing. Flying

debris, such as powder residue and ejected cartridge cases, can injure

your eyes. Thus, it is only common sense to wear both eye protection (such as

shooting glasses) and ear protection (such as a sound-muffling headset) whenever

shooting. Also, wear eye protection when cleaning or disassembling your gun to

ensure that cleaning solvent and tensioned parts (such as springs) do not come

into contact with your eyes.

Commandment #8

Be Sure the Barrel Is Clear of Obstructions Before Shooting

Discharging a firearm with an obstruction in the barrel can result in

personal injury, property damage and/or death. Before you load your

firearm, check the chamber and magazine to ascertain that no ammunition is inside.

Also, check the inside of the barrel (called the “bore”) to ensure it is free of

obstructions. Even a small amount of mud, snow or excess lubricating oil or grease

in the bore can cause excessive pressures resulting in a bulged or burst barrel

which can injure or kill the shooter and bystanders. It is a good idea to make a

habit of cleaning the bore and checking for obstructions with a cleaning rod just

before each shooting session. If the noise or recoil experienced upon firing seems

low or weak, or something doesn’t feel “right,” cease firing immediately and

carefully check to make sure that there is no obstruction in the barrel. Placing an

undersized shell or cartridge into a gun (such as a 20 gauge shell in a shotgun

chambered for 12 gauge ammunition) can result in the smaller round of

ammunition falling into the barrel and acting as an obstruction. When a round is

subsequently fired, the barrel may burst, causing injury to the shooter and

bystanders. For reference, re-read Commandment #5.

Commandment #9

Do Not Alter or Modify Your Gun and Have It Serviced Regularly

Firearms are complex mechanisms that are designed to function properly in their

original condition. Any alterations or changes made to a firearm after its

manufacture can make the gun unsafe and will void its warranty. Do not jeopardize

your safety or the safety of others by altering the trigger, mechanical safety or

other mechanisms of your firearm. You should have your firearm periodically

checked for proper functioning and serviced by a qualified gunsmith.

Commandment #10

Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of Your Firearm

Not all firearms operate the same way. The method of carrying, handling and

operating firearms varies with the mechanical characteristics of each gun. Thus, you