Manual
1
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY THE FIRST STEP
The first step in the safe handling of any firearm
is to know how to CLEAR it.
The Howa rifle is considered CLEAR when
there is no ammunition in the chamber or in the
magazine, the bolt is open and the safety is "on".
To clear the rifle:
Point the muzzle in a safe direction. lift the bolt
handle and pull the bolt fully to the rear. This should
eject any cartridge that may be present in the
chamber, but LOOK in the chamber anyway to be
sure it is empty. The magazine also is now exposed.
If it con-tains any cartridges, remove them (see
page 17). Leave the bolt open and put the safety
"on".
Always clear your rifle before handing it to
another person. If someone hands a firearm to you,
person-ally determine whether it is clear before any
further handling.
Never assume any firearm to be unloaded, and
don't accept anyone's assurance. LOOK inside it
your-self. When entering or leaving a range or
hunting area, or when showing the rifle to others,
make sure the bolt is open, the safety is "on", and
all ammunition has been removed. That way others
can see, without need to operate its mechanism,
that the rifle is clear.
THESE WARNINGS ARE IMPORTANT
Firearms, by their nature and intended function,
are lethal weapons. By understanding the dangers
inherent in the use of any firearm, and by taking
proper precautions, you can enjoy complete safety
in the use of your firearm. Failure to heed any of
these warnings may result in accidental death or
serious injury to you or others, as well as severe
damage to the firearm or other property.
NOT JUST FOR BEGINNERS
Even if you are familiar with other firearms,
don't assume there is no need to study this manual.
Accidents happen to experienced shooters as
well as beginners. Most of them could have been
avoided if the shooter had read and followed the
instructions and observed the basic rules of gun
safety.
IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Having a firearm in your possession is like
being the captain of a ship: it's a serious
responsibility, and yours alone. It's up to you to
KNOW how to keep and use your firearm safely,
and up to you to always TAKE the necessary
precautions - all of them. If you fail to do so, and
someone gets hurt, the blame rests on you.