INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR RUGER® SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUNS 12 GAUGE Gold Label ! 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. 27) STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc. Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A. THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANY THIS FIREARM AND BE TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.
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.
LOCKING DEVICE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ! WARNING – USE OF LOCKING DEVICES • Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, including when you are installing or removing your locking device. • Always verify that your firearm is completely unloaded before installing your locking device. • Do not install locking devices in the trigger guard; always keep your fingers, clamp and locking device outside the trigger guard during device installation and removal.
4. Apply the clamp to the stock-receiver assembly as show in Figure 1. 5. Apply the lock to the clamp by inserting the shackle of the lock into the holes in the clamp as shown in Figure 2. 6. Close the lock by pressing the shackle into the body of the lock (the part that receives the key) as tightly together as possible. The lock has bumpers and the shackle is coated with a non-marring material that will not harm the metal finish of your firearm; be careful not to dent or scratch the wooden stock. 7.
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® SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN 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 Safety Selector Ammunition Lead Exposure Screw-In Chokes Firing 6 9 14 15 15 19 21 Unloading Handling Disassembly Lubrication Storage Parts Purchasers 21 22 23 24 25 28 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.
safety mechanism locks the hammer interrupter – a unique characteristic of this gun. In this position, it is impossible for the hammers to reach the firing pins. The hammer interrupter, in turn, locks the trigger against being pulled. The sequence of firing is set with the safety in its rearmost “safe” position. If the thumbpiece is swung to its left side position and pushed forward, an “R” is visible and the selector allows the right barrel to be fired first.
11 The BUTTSTOCK is held on the gun by a long through-bolt, which is accessible only after the butt plate on the end of the buttstock is removed. The FOREND, like the buttstock, is of finely checkered high-grade walnut. The steel TRIGGER GUARD protects the trigger from inadvertent blows. Fingers should always be kept outside the trigger guard except when actually firing. The stainless steel RECEIVER is of shallow profile and comfortable “round action” styling.
SPECIAL FEATURES The RUGER® 12 GAUGE SIDE-BY-SIDE shotguns are offered with stainless steel receivers. The trigger and forend iron are made of stainless steel with an attractive brushed finish. The trigger guard, top lever, and safety thumbpiece, as well as barrels, are of heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel, polished overall and blued. The top lever and its pivot directly engage the locking bolt both on opening and closing motions.
Practice (with an unloaded shotgun) moving the safety/barrel selector to the three positions until you know the position of the safety selector for the three modes – Safe (S), Fire left barrel first (L), and Fire right barrel first (R). WARNING: When manipulating the safety selector, DO NOT HAVE ANY FINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD! Whenever the safety selector is in the “Fire” position and the trigger is pulled, the shotgun will fire.
! WARNING – SAFETY SELECTOR Keep the safety on unless actually firing. Always move the safety fully to its intended position and check it. The safety has three positions – “SAFE” (S), “FIRE (L) LEFT BarrelFIRST” and “FIRE (R) RIGHT Barrel - FIRST”. Never depend on a safety mechanism or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling or permitting the shotgun to point in an unsafe direction. The only “safe” gun is one in which the action is open and the chambers are empty. “SAFE” “FIRE” RIGHT BBL.
Since steel shot generally patterns tighter than conventional lead shot loads, it would be wise to avoid the use of steel shot altogether in conventionally choked “full choke” barrels. Modified choke barrels generally deliver “full choke” patterns when used with steel shot. We do not recommend any of our shotguns for use with reloads, steel shot or otherwise.
ASSEMBLING THE SHOTGUN The Ruger Gold Label Side-By-Side Shotgun is shipped partially disassembled. To assemble, proceed as follows: 1. After unwrapping the barrel/forearm assembly and receiver/stock assembly, wipe excess rust preventative oil from the monobloc and inside surfaces of the receiver. Swab the bores with a clean cloth patch on a cleaning rod to remove any excess oil. 2. To Correctly Remove Forend (See Figure 7): a. Unlatch forend by pressing in the forend latch plunger at tip of forend. b.
4. Swing the muzzle end of the barrels upward, pivoting the rear end of the monobloc downward to seat in the receiver as shown in Figure 9. The barrel assembly is seated and locked into the receiver when the top lever snaps to its centered position. Figure 9 – Closing Action 3 5. Place the rear end of the forend iron against the receiver as shown in Figure 10, and swing the front end of the forearm upward until the forend latch lever aligns with the forend latch hook on the underside of the lower barrel.
CHOKE INSERT ("TUBE") BARRELS CHOKE WRENCH NOTE: Stainless Steel choke inserts may protrude slightly from muzzle when fully seated. This is normal and helps protect the muzzle of the barrel from damage. To minimize the possibility of damage to the screw-in choke inserts and the barrel threads, it is recommended that a set of choke inserts be kept correctly tightened into the barrel at all times, including storage and cleaning.
Be sure you only use the correct choke inserts (tubes). Ruger Side-By-Side choke tubes are not interchangeable with any other Ruger shotgun chokes, including those designed for our Red Label Over-and-Under shotguns. Screw-in choke inserts are stainless steel and stamped on the side either “FULL”, “MODIFIED”, “IMPROVED CYLINDER”, or “SKEET”.
TO LOAD AND FIRE Practice the important aspects of gun handling described below (with an unloaded gun) until you can perform each of the steps with skill and confidence. But before loading the shotgun, please read completely through this manual, and be certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Do not load the shotgun until you are ready to use it! 1. With the gun assembled, move the top lever completely to the right and open the action completely.
! WARNING – FIRING All persons must be a safe distance to the rear of the shooter when a shotgun is being fired. Particles of shot, lead, powder, lubricant, accumulated bore deposits and particles of clay targets can be blown in a wide area – particularly if the wind is blowing – into the eyes and face of the shooter and those nearby. For that reason shooters and bystanders must wear shooting glasses or similar eye protection.
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE Fired Shell Cases Eject Automatically Safety "On" 5 S Manually Remove Unfired Shotshells 4 1 2 3 ! WARNING – HANDLING Never carry the shotgun loaded with the safety “off”. Never place a loaded gun against any object (wall, fence, vehicle, tree, etc.) because there is always the possibility that the gun will be knocked or jarred from its standing position and fall with sufficient force to be discharged. Keep the safety on (S) unless actually firing.
DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE ! WARNING – DISASSEMBLY 4 1 5 S Remove Never clean, lubricate, disassemble or work on a firearm while it is loaded. 2 3 UNLOAD BEFORE DISASSEMBLY To take down (disassemble) the Ruger Side-By-Side Shotgun, proceed as follows: 1. Check both chambers to be sure that the gun is unloaded. 2. Press in the forend latch plunger tip and separate the forend assembly from the barrels as in Step 2, page 16 (See Figure 7, p. 16). 3.
CARE AND CLEANING ! WARNING: BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THAT BOTH CHAMBERS OF THE SHOTGUN CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES Always check to be sure the gun is completely unloaded before cleaning. 1. Take down the gun. (See Disassembly Procedure, p. 23) 2. Using a proper cleaning rod, run a solvent-wetted patch through each bore several times. Then run dry patches through the bore to remove all traces of residue. The bore, as referred to here, includes the chamber. 3.
STORAGE GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED! USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE SHOTGUN FOR STORAGE. (SEE PAGE 6) Do not store the shotgun in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture, even though the case may appear to be perfectly dry. TO RENDER THE SHOTGUN INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE Open the action and check both chambers to be sure the shotgun is completely unloaded! With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, close the barrel assembly fully.
While the shotgun 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.
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER® SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN please write or call (603-865-2442) our Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all circumstances and conditions involved. If you should return your shotgun to the factory for repair, or order parts for it, please comply with the following suggestions for prompt service.
! 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 shotgun after such installation.
RUGER® SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUNS PARTS LIST Design, prices and specifications subject to change without notice. SPECIFY MODEL AND GAUGE WHEN ORDERING (See Exploded View on Page 33.) 29 * * * * * * * * * * Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Part No.
* * * * * 30 * * Number 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Part No.
* 31 * * Number 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 Part No.
* Number 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 * PARTS SO MARKED MUST BE FACTORY FITTED * * Part No. KSXS04800 SXS00701 SXS00703 SXS12800 SXS00500M SXS00402A S-38 OU09101 S-37 C-90-SM OU09105 OU-2 Part Name Forend Iron Screw Latch Bar Plunger Latch Bar Spring Latch Bar & Latch Tip Assembly Forend Assembly Butt Stock Stock Bolt Washer Stock Bolt Lock Washer Stock Bolt Butt Plate Butt Plate Screws, 2 Req’d.
33 RUGER® SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN EXPLODED VIEW
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 or shot 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 and shot 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 by 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.
