Ruger 10/17 Instruction Manual

							22
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)
Most malfunctions are caused by improper or damaged magazines, incorrect
ammunition, or poor maintenance. RUGER®MODEL 10/22®MAGNUM
& 10/17TMchambers must be scrupulously cleaned at least every 50 shots
(see “Care and Cleaning”, pp. 26 - 27.)
1. If it appears that the gun and magazine are not at fault and that the jam was 
caused by the type of cartridge being used, then try another type.
2. If changing to another type or brand of cartridges does not at once eliminate
malfunctioning, then the following steps should be taken:
a.Make certain the gun and the magazine are unloaded and that the safety is 
“on”. Remember, the magazine should be removed first, then check the 
chamber and be certain it and the magazine-well are clear of cartridges.
b. Thoroughly clean the magazine (See “Magazine Inspection and Care”, pp. 25
& 26) and bolt mechanism, paying particular attention to removing 
accumulated grease. Use a bristle brush and solvent 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 rotor spring tension is adequate.
d. Check the magazine throat 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. Be certain
bystanders are not close and that you are wearing eye and hearing
protection and that your face is a safe distance from the rifle so that any
discharge resulting from a jammed cartridge will not injure anyone.
If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliably functioning
firearm, don’t use the gun. The rifle can be returned directly to our Newport,
New Hampshire Product Service Department for repair. See the Service and Parts
Policy section (p. 32) of this manual for packing and shipping information.
Another precaution:When using any firearm chambered for rimfire cartridges,
form the habit of examining fired cartridge cases. If they have bulged heads or
frequently show splits on any part of the case, the rifle or pistol should be
returned to the factory for inspection. 
						

							The 22 Long Rifle, 22 Magnum and 17 HMR rimfire
cartridges fire when the firing pin impacts the
relatively soft cartridge case rim, and also can be
“discharged” before it is chambered if its rim
receives a sharp blow. If a cartridge hangs up, jams,
or binds when being chambered or when being fed
from the magazine into the chamber, do not
attempt to force it into the chamber by pushing or
striking the bolt.Any jam or feeding problem is a
signal to immediately stop using the gun until it
can be determined what is wrong. Most failures of a
cartridge to feed or to chamber are caused by a
damaged magazine, improper gun handling, poor
maintenance, improper or defective ammunition.
Whatever the cause, rimfire cartridge jams can
result in the potentially dangerous situation of a
cartridge discharging before it is chambered. If this
occurs, the cartridge case will rupture and its
fragments will fly out of the gun with sufficient
force to cause injury. Always wear shooting glasses
and hearing protectors! Keep face away from
chamber!
CRUSHING RIM CAN BURST AMMO
23
WARNING – MALFUNCTIONS
WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
Always unload a firearm
before cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly or assembly.
UNLOAD BEFORE
CLEANING        1
243Safety ON   
						

							24
TO DISASSEMBLE
Make Sure Rifle is Unloaded!
1.With the rifle pointing in a safe direction, remove the magazine, open the bolt
and visually make certain there is not a cartridge in the chamber. Then allow
the bolt to close. The rear sight leaf should be down, and the hammer should
be cocked.
2. Loosen the barrel band screw (B-69) and remove the barrel band (B-68). (Does
not apply to the Sporter Model, Rifle Model, and the 10/17.)
3. Loosen (don’t remove) the take-down screw (B-65).
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.
5. Swing the barrel-receiver assembly upward away from the forearm of the
stock. Be careful the two receiver cross pins (B-5) and bolt stop pin (B-46) do
not fall out.
6. Remove the trigger guard by simply drifting out the two receiver pins. It is
recommended that the components of the trigger guard assembly not be
disassembled from the trigger guard.
This is the extent of disassembly required for routine inspection, cleaning and
lubrication.
If it is desired to thoroughly clean the inside of the receiver by removing the
bolt, be aware that although removing and installing the bolt (along with the
bolt handle-recoil spring assembly) is simple, it must be done correctly.
7. To remove the bolt:
a. Position the rifle upside down so the bolt is fully accessible.
b. Drift out the bolt stop pin, located at the rear of the receiver.
c. Pull the bolt handle fully to the rear of the receiver with the left hand, 
and while it is in that position, using the right hand, lift up the front of 
the bolt until it is disengaged from the bolt handle.
d. Remove the bolt handle assembly through the ejection port.
e. Lift bolt out of receiver. If it does not come out readily, turn the rifle over 
and the bolt will drop out of the receiver. 
						

							25
REASSEMBLYAgain, Be Sure Rifle is Unloaded!
1. Reassembly of bolt into receiver:
a. To reassemble bolt handle and bolt in the receiver, position the rear end 
(cone pointed) of the recoil spring guide rod in the mating recess near 
the rear right side of the receiver. The recoil spring must be flat against 
the side and “bottom” of the receiver.
b. Maintain the guide rod in its proper position by keeping pressure on the 
bolt handle with the left forefinger and thumb. At the same time, use the 
flat side of the screwdriver blade to compress the recoil spring by drawing
it against that area of the bolt handle near to the spring. In 
accomplishing this spring compression it is necessary to maintain the 
same pressure on the screwdriver with the right hand as that being 
maintained (rearward and inward) on the bolt handle with the left hand.
c. When the spring is fully compressed, maintain it in that position with the
left hand and with the right hand lay the recessed section of the top of 
the bolt on the section of the bolt handle that mates with it. Press down 
on the bolt until a ‘click’ is heard. At this point allow the bolt handle 
(with bolt attached) to move forward slowly.
d. Cycle the bolt handle a few times to be certain the components are 
correctly assembled.
2. Reassembly of rifle:
a. Install the bolt stop pin and then lay the trigger guard in place and install
the two receiver pins.
b. Assemble the barrel-receiver to the stock by following, in reverse order, 
steps 1 through 5 under the “Disassembly” instructions on page 24.
Guns should not be stored loaded or cocked!
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 by rotating the magazine cap
nut until the r
otorstops turning. Then the nut is turned an additional 1 1/4
turns beyond the ‘stop’ position.
To test the rotor tension, load one cartridge into the magazine and then firmly
press against the side of the cartridge case. Remove your finger quickly. The
cartridge should instantly and fully move in to the feeding position. If it does
not, the magazine should be cleaned. If cleaning does not restore proper rotor
tension, do not use the magazine.(NOTE: After testing, remove the test
cartridge.)
When cleaning is necessary, use a solvent that will not rust the metal
components or adversely affect the plastic magazine box. After the magazine has
been soaked in solvent to loosen foreign matter, be certain to shake it vigorously
(with the loading opening away from you) to remove solvent or residue from
within the magazine. 
						

							After cleaning, always check to be certain that rotor movement and tension are
correct, and that no solvent or debris remain. Do not disassemble the magazine.
Improper reassembly or improper tensioning of the rotor spring can cause a
potentially dangerous malfunction. If you experience a problem with the
magazine, don’t use it. Get a new one.
DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR IMPROPERLY
ASSEMBLED MAGAZINES SHOULD NOT BE USED.
THEY CAN CAUSE THE RIFLE TO MALFUNCTION.
Exploded view of the 10/22
magazine components. This
illustration is included to
show the relationship and
names of the magazine
components. As noted in
the text above, the
magazine should not be
disassembled.
CARE AND CLEANING
Make Sure Gun is Unloaded!
Before cleaning, be certain the rifle and its magazine contain no cartridges.
Cleanliness is most important to the function of this blow-back operated
autoloading firearm. Any failures to feed or extract rounds may be indications of
a dirty chamber. Note: For the 10/22 Magnum and 10/17 rifles – Never fire more
than 50 shots without scrupulously cleaning the chamber.Use commercially
available bore cleaning solution and a brass brush, followed by drying with a
cloth patch, to remove any powder residue. An excess of dirt, powder residue, or
oil in the chamber will cause malfunctions and may result in potentially
dangerous cartridge case ruptures and release of hot gasses and case fragments
when firing.
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. Disassemble (field-strip) the rifle to the extent described on page 24.
2. Using a cleaning rod, run a solvent-wetted patch through the bore several
times. Then attach a solvent-wetted bristle brush to the rod and run it back
26   
						

							Firing a rifle with oil, grease, or any other material
even partially obstructing the bore may result in
damage to the rifle and serious injury to the
shooter and those nearby. Do not spray or apply
lubricants directly on ammunition. If the powder
of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant, it may
not be ignited, but the primer firing may push the
bullet into the bore where it may be lodged. Firing
a subsequent bullet into the obstructed bore may
damage the rifle and cause serious injury or death
to the shooter and those nearby. Use lubricants
properly. You are responsible for the proper care
and maintenance of your firearms.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS
27
and forth the full length of the bore as many times as necessary to remove
grease and dirt from the bore and chamber. Clean bore with dry patches and
examine. Bore fouling can contribute to reduced accuracy, and grease
accumulation in the chamber can interfere with proper feeding of cartridges
from the magazine.
3. Using powder solvent on a clean patch or bristle brush, remove powder residue
from all components of the mechanism. After cleaning, run a dry patch
through the bore, then follow with a patch that is very lightly oiled. Wipe all
surfaces clean with cloth, then wipe all surfaces with a patch or cloth that has
been very lightly oiled.
4. NOTE: Only a light application of oil is needed to provide adequate lubrication
of moving parts and to prevent rust. Excess accumulations of oil tend to
attract particles of dust and dirt and may congeal in cold weather which can
interfere with the safe and reliable functioning of the rifle.
WARNING – LUBRICATION
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
Do notstore the rifle in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture,
even though it may appear to be dry.
TO RENDER THE RIFLE INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine, open the bolt,
and check the chamber to be sur
e the rifle is completely unloaded!For Carbines
with a barrel band, loosen barrel band screw and slide barrel band forward off
stock. Unscrew, but do not remove, takedown screw on underside of stock. Move
safety button to centered position 
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE RIFLE FOR STORAGE.
(SEEPAGE6)  OIL   
						

							28
Never place or store any firearm in
such a manner that it may be
dislodged. Firearms should always be
stored securely and unloaded, away
from children and careless adults. Use
the locking device originally supplied
with this firearm for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety
lock is only one aspect of responsible
firearms storage. For increased safety,
firearms should be stored unloaded
and locked in a location that is both
separate from their ammunition and
inaccessible to children and any other
unauthorized person.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
and carefully lift barrel/receiver assembly out of the stock. Drift out receiver
cross pins to the left and remove trigger housing assembly. Reassemble rifle
without trigger housing assembly, which contains most of the firing mechanism.
Store the rifle and the trigger housing assembly in different locations. When
disassembled in this manner, the rifle is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the
rifle until the trigger housing assembly has been correctly replaced into the rifle.
To reassemble the rifle for firing, remove the barrel/receiver assembly from the
stock as above and reinstall the trigger housing. Replace the receiver cross pins
to secure the trigger housing to the receiver. With the safety in the centered
position, carefully reinstall the barrel/receiver/trigger housing into the stock.
Check to be sure the bolt, trigger, and safety mechanisms can be operated fully
and freely. Reinstall the barrel band on Carbines. The rifle is now reassembled
and can be loaded and fired normally.
While the rifle is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when
disassembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store a 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.
WARNING – STORAGE     
						

							29
MAINTENANCE OF STAINLESS STEEL RIFLES
Firearms and components made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to
corrosion than those of blued steel. However, in the interest of proper operation
and long life of a stainless steel firearm, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate
and apply an appropriate rust preventative.
Sometimes discoloration occurs from perspiration or from contact with some
types of gun cases. Rusting may occur as a result of the firearm being exposed to
moisture, salt air or chemicals.
Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stainless area with an
abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When using
any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve a
blending of “color” with those areas that are not discolored. Do NOT
use abrasives
on the clear coating of the aluminum alloy receiver and trigger housing.
External surfaces most subject to rusting from handling, or from exposure to the
elements, should be cleaned and wiped dry after use or after exposure to adverse
conditions. If the rifle is to be stored, coat it with a light film of oil or
preservative. Where the rifle is in continuing use, and the presence of oil or
grease would be objectionable, then the external surfaces can be coated (after
cleaning and drying) with a paste wax formulated for use on metals. Apply the
wax sparingly, allow time for it to dry hard, then buff lightly with a soft cloth.
When applying the wax, take care that it does not get into the mechanism or on
the functioning parts or in the bore. 
						

							ATTACHING SCOPE BASE ADAPTER
To attach Scope Base Adapter to rifle receiver:
1. Retract bolt handle, lock bolt open and push safety to “on” position. Be sure
gun is completely empty.
2. Unscrew the four filler (headless) screws from the receiver. These screws may
be quite tight.
3. Position adapter on receiver and place a base-mounting screw in each hole of
the adapter. Turn each screw until it just catches the threads in the receiver
hole, but don’t tighten the screws at this point.
4. Starting at the first screw, turn each screw part way in; then move to the next
screw, repeating the procedure until all four screws are snugly tightened.
5. Release the bolt handle; then retract it several times, permitting it to snap
forward. If the bolt seems to bind, determine which screw is binding the top of
the bolt. If it is necessary to shorten a screw, be certain to chamfer its top so it
does not cross thread the hole in the receiver.
6. Attach scope bases and scope to the adapter in accordance with their
instructions.
Scope mounting precautions:Do not remove the scope base filler screws (there
are four in the receiver) unless the supplied scope base adapter or other suitable
base is to be mounted with properly fitting screws. Do not deepen or alter the
screw holes that are in the Ruger 10/22. Do not place any sealant into the screw
holes in the receiver, as the sealant can drip into the bolt or receiver and cause
potentially dangerous malfunctions.
Tip-Off Style
Scope Base Adapter
30   
						

							31
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The folding leaf rear sight is adjustable for elevation. The slide must be moved
one graduation to change the point of impact by approximately one inch at 25
yards. Use a small screwdriver with a blade tip that exactly fits the screw-head.
Loosen the screws only slightly so the slide doesn’t move too freely. Move the
slide in the direction you want the point of impact of the bullet to move. When
the slide is positioned at the desired height, carefully tighten both screws.
Lateral (windage) adjustment is made by ‘drifting’ the sight base in its slot. Place
a short brass rod against the sight base (and only the base) and tap the sight in
the direction you wish to move the point of bullet impact. Before moving the
sight, pencil mark an index line on the sight base and rib so that sight movement
can be detected.
SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE
Top of front sight even with top of
rear sight slide. Front sight
centered in notch of rear sight
slide. Target bull’s-eye centered on
top of front sight.
Note that the rear sight blade can
be reversed to give a square notch
rear sight picture.
Weaver-Style
Scope Base Adapter