INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BLUED STEEL CALIBERS .17HMR, .22 LR, .22 MAGNUM, & .44 MAGNUM ® RUGER MODEL NINETY-SIX LEVER ACTION RIFLES ! READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM For Product Service on This Model Please Call: (603) 865-2442 (See p. 29) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.
State-By-State Warnings Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following: California: ! WARNING ! ADVERTENCIA “A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar.
Maine: “ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.” Maryland: “WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury.
New Jersey: “IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.” New York City: “THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALL WEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.
! WARNING – LOCKING DEVICES DO NOT INSTALL INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD This firearm was originally sold with a key-operated locking device. While it can help provide secure storage for your unloaded firearm, any locking device can fail. All guns are designed to fire if they are loaded and the trigger is pulled. Therefore, never install the locking device inside the trigger guard or in any way that it can possibly pull the trigger! Do not leave the keys in the lock.
FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION. This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX properly. Please contact us if you have any questions about it. Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, etc., with live ammunition.
! WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES: Locking Devices Alterations Manual Safety Ammunition Lead Exposure Firing Handling 6 8 10 13 13 16 16 Unloading Malfunctions Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers 17 20 21 25 26 30 OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL. FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS– READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.
Because the bullet offers the least resistance, it moves out of the cartridge case and exits the muzzle. When the lever is operated by lowering it fully, the bolt moves rearward, extracting and ejecting the fired cartridge case, and cocking the internal hammer as described above. Once the lever is closed, the rifle is ready to fire again. Each time the lever is opened and closed, the same cycle is repeated until there are no more cartridges in the magazine or in the chamber.
OPERATION OF SAFETY The RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX has a cross-button safety which is located in the forward portion of the trigger guard (Figure 1, p. 9). The safety can be operated only when the hammer is cocked. The safety is “on” when it protrudes fully from the right side (the bolt side) of the lever housing assembly, as shown in Figure 1, p. 9. In this position the sear is blocked, and the gun cannot be fired by a normal pull on the trigger.
The safety is held in its “on” or “off” position by a plunger that is under spring tension. When the safety is moved to either the “on” or “off” position, a distinct “click” should be heard. Frequently check the position of the safety to be certain the safety has not been inadvertently moved. If the safety seems to move too easily, or if the click is not heard when the safety is moved, stop using the rifle and return it to the Newport Service Department for repair (See p. 29).
To Operate Lever for Magazine Insertion or Removal: Note that the lever must be opened at least 1/2” for either insertion or removal of the magazine. This can be done either by manually operating the lever to an open position or by pushing up firmly on the magazine latch (located on the underside of the stock), which will open the lever slightly to the point where the magazine can be inserted or removed (see “To Load and Fire With Magazine”, pp. 14 - 17).
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOAD .22 SHORT, .22 LONG, .22 SHOT OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF .22 CALIBER CARTRIDGE (OTHER THAN THE .22 LONG RIFLE) INTO THE MAGAZINE OF THE 96/22 RIFLE. THE USE OF OTHER CARTRIDGES IN THE MAGAZINE CAN CAUSE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS JAMS AND MALFUNCTIONS RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM AND INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. TAKE CARE TO USE THE CORRECT CARTRIDGES. DO NOT FIRE .17 HMR CARTRIDGES IN .
TO LOAD AND FIRE (WITH MAGAZINE) Practice this important aspect of gun handling (with an unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps described below with skill and confidence. But before you do anything with the rifle, please first read completely through this manual. 1. Keep the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction. (See Rule 2, p. 39). 2. Put the safety “on” (fully protruding from the right side of the lever housing assembly). (See Figure 1, p. 9). 3. Open the lever.
Figure 4. To load the magazine, press the rim of the cartridge against the magazine rotor at the widest section of the magazine throat until the cartridge enters far enough to be pushed to the rear end of the magazine. With the first cartridge in place, each succeeding cartridge is pressed against the body of the top cartridge and slid to the rear of the magazine until a maximum of ten .22 LR cartridges (or nine .22 WMR or .17 HMR cartridges, or four .
! WARNING – FIRING 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-hand rifles from the left shoulder should be particularly cautious concerning ejected cartridge cases. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors. EJECTED BRASS IS HOT 9.
10. The bolt and lever do not automatically remain open after the last cartridge or fired case has been extracted and ejected, or when the magazine is empty. When firing is completed, retract the bolt by opening the lever fully, and visually check the chamber to be sure it is empty. If the lever or bolt is shut, the shooter should always assume that there is a cartridge in the chamber. Don’t rely on your memory to know if a gun or magazine is loaded. Visually inspect the magazine and the chamber.
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE 4 1 3 2 5. Do not unload by cycling cartridges from the magazine into and out of the chamber by repeatedly operating the lever. This is unnecessary and increases the possibility of firing if you pull the trigger when the bolt is closed (and if you have failed to put the safety “on” prior to unloading). First remove the magazine, then operate the lever to unload the chamber. 6.
1. Always visually check the chamber after opening the bolt to eject a chambered cartridge. If the lever is not vigorously retracted when opening the bolt, the extracted cartridge can be ‘ejected’ into the magazine area, instead of outside the rifle. 2. Thoroughly clean the chamber and the extractor as often as necessary to prevent the accumulation of grease and dirt. 3.
to remove grease and fouling from the bolt face, the extractor, the chamber, and the feed ramp. (See the “Care and Cleaning” section of this manual for detailed cleaning instructions). c. Check to see that the magazine spring tension is adequate. (See p. 24) d. Check the magazine lips to be certain they are free of nicks and burrs and are not deformed. e. Remove excess oil and solvent from all cleaned components, load the magazine, and try the firearm again. As always, proceed slowly.
! WARNING – DISASSEMBLY Always unload a firearm before cleaning, lubrication, disassembly or assembly. 4 1 3 2 UNLOAD BEFORE CLEANING TO DISASSEMBLE 1. With the rifle pointing in a safe direction, remove the magazine. Fully open the lever and bolt to make certain there is not a cartridge in the chamber. The rear sight leaf should be down, and the internal hammer should be cocked. Keep the lever open and the safety “on”. 2. Loosen the barrel band screw (B-69) and remove the barrel band (L06801). 3.
4. Position the safety so an equal amount of the button is exposed on each side. If the safety is not in the middle when the barrel-receiver assembly is lifted out of the stock, the stock will be damaged. Make sure the lever is open. EQUAL AMOUNT OF SAFETY VISIBLE ON EACH SIDE 5. Swing the barrel-receiver assembly upward away from the forearm of the stock. Be careful the two receiver cross pins (B-5 & B-46) and bolt stop pin (L00601) do not fall out. 6.
REASSEMBLY 1. Reassembling the bolt to the lever: Open the lever. Insert the lever locking link (L00900) on the top of the lever housing into the slot in the bottom of the bolt. Align the hole in the link with the hole in the side of the bolt. Insert the bolt link pin (L04900) into the hole in the side of the bolt and push it through the hole in the link until the pin is flush with the sides of the bolt. NOTE: Keep assembly level.
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND CARE Check the magazine frequently. The rotor must move freely and have adequate tension so that each cartridge is quickly raised to the feeding position. At the time of manufacture, proper rotor tension is set in the .22 caliber magazines by rotating the magazine cap nut until the rotor stops turning. Then the nut is turned an additional 1 1/4 turns beyond the ‘stop’ position. The .44 magnum magazine is automatically tensioned (rotor wound 1 1/2 turns) if properly assembled.
CARE AND CLEANING Make Sure Gun is Unloaded! Before cleaning, be certain the rifle and its magazine contain no cartridges. (See “To Unload”, p. 17) At regular intervals, or whenever the rifle has been exposed to sand, dust, extreme humidity, condensation, immersion in water, or other adverse conditions, disassemble, clean and oil it. Proper periodic maintenance is essential to the reliable functioning of any firearm. To clean the rifle, proceed as follows: 1.
STORAGE GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED! USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE RIFLE FOR STORAGE. (SEE PAGE 6) Do not store the rifle in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture, even though the case may appear to be perfectly dry.
While the rifle is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with the supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun safe or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults. Guns should always be stored securely, unloaded and separate from their ammunition. ATTACHING SCOPE BASE ADAPTER (.22 & .17 HMR Caliber Rifles Only) 1.
ATTACHING RUGER SCOPE RINGS (.44 Magnum Rifles Only) Each Ruger telescope ring is a mated assembly of a top and a base. Do not mix the parts of the two ring assemblies as they are not interchangeable. On the underside of each mounting ring assembly there is an integral lug, located off center with respect to the front and back sides of the mount. The lug is nearer to the front surface.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX rifle please write or call (603-865-2442) our Product Service Department in Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all circumstances and conditions involved.
! WARNING –PARTS PURCHASERS It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely certain that any parts ordered from the factory are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchaser and installer of parts must accept full responsibility for the correct adjustment and functioning of the firearm after such installation.
RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX PARTS LIST Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded Views Pages 36, 37 & 38) * * * * 31 * * * * * * * Part Name Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel Barrel Band Barrel Band Barrel Band Screw Barrel Retainer, V-Block Barrel Retainer Screw, 2 Req’d. Bolt Only Bolt Only Bolt Only Bolt Assembly, Complete Bolt Assembly, Complete Bolt Assembly, Complete Bolt Link Pin Bolt Stop Pin Butt Plate Part No.
32 Part Name Butt Plate Screw, 2 Req’d. Cartridge Support Cartridge Support Plunger Cartridge Support Spring Ejector Ejector Ejector Pin Escutcheon Escutcheon Extractor Extractor Extractor Pivot Pin Extractor Plunger Extractor Spring Extractor Spring Firing Pin Firing Pin Firing Pin Spring Firing Pin Retaining Pin Front Mounting Block Front Mounting Screw Front Sight Front Sight, w/Gold Bead * Hammer Assembly Part No.
33 * * * * * Part Name Hammer Pivot Pin Hammer Roller Hammer Roller Pin Hammer Spring, Right Hammer Spring, Left Hammer Spring Support Pin Indicator Lifter Indicator Lifter Pivot Pin Indicator Pin Indicator Retainer Indicator Spring Lever Assembly Lever Assembly Lever Detent Plunger Lever Detent Plunger Spring Lever Housing Assembly Lever Housing Assembly Lever Housing Assembly Lever/Link Pin Lever Locking Link Lever Pivot Bushing Lever Pivot Screw Magazine, Complete, 10-Shot Capacity Magazine, Complete,
34 Part Name Magazine, Complete, 4-Shot Capacity Magazine Latch Lever Assembly Magazine Latch Lever Assembly Magazine Latch Lever Assembly Magazine Latch Pivot Pin Magazine Latch Plunger Magazine Latch Plunger Magazine Latch Plunger Magazine Latch Spring Magazine Latch Spring Rear Sight Rear Sight Receiver Cross Pin Receiver Cross Pin Receiver Filler Screws, 4 Req’d.
Part Name Scope Ring Nut Scope Ring Screw, 4 Req’d * Sear Sear Spring Stock Assembly, Complete Stock Assembly, Complete Take-Down Screw Trigger Trigger Pivot Bearing Trigger Pivot Pin Trigger Plunger Trigger Plunger Spring Part No.
36 EXPLODED VIEW RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX
RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX LEVER HOUSING ASSEMBLY RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX .22 LR & .
RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX .44 MAG. COMPONENT PARTS RUGER® MODEL NINETY-SIX .44 MAG.
THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful purposes. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that ownership imposes the responsibility on the gun owner to use his firearms in a way which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction, and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE.
5. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the trigger. 6. WEAR SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
8. DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. 9. NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbard should be used to carry an unloaded firearm to and from the shooting area. 10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTING. Don’t drink until the day’s shooting is over.
A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT: RUGER FIREARMS One of the few American firearms manufacturers whose management has remained in the same family since starting in business, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., had its beginning in a small machine shop occupying a rented frame building in Southport, Connecticut. In January, 1949, with an initial investment of only $50,000 and an idea, William B. Ruger and Alexander M. Sturm started production of a .
WHY NO WARRANTY CARD HAS BEEN PACKED WITH THIS NEW RUGER FIREARM The Magnuson-Moss Act (Public Law 93-637) does not require any seller or manufacturer of a consumer product to give a written warranty. It does provide that if a written warranty is given, it must be designated as “limited” or as “full” and sets minimum standards for a “full” warranty. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
