do you read the owners manual?

stumper1300 · January 19, 2013, 07:08 PM

I had a guy call me the other day. He was all bent out of shape because he couldn't remove that steel rod that ruger had wedged into the reciever to hold the bolt open while in transit...........

I began laughing to myself and said " say what ".... he repeated himself.said he had been trying to remove it and gave up. Its just wedged in there to tight.

I explained how to release the bolt and when he tried it the bolt closed.

READ THE DANG OWNERS MANUAL. If your not familiar with your new gun.

**4V50 Gary** · January 19, 2013, 07:11 PM

No decent American "he man" need read any manual. He is naturally endowed with the mental ability of John Moses Browning and can easily re-engineer a gun with the help of Tapco or fix any car because he owns a Craftsman screwdriver and wrench.

MagnumWill · January 19, 2013, 07:48 PM

I did have to consult the manual once for a Marlin model 60 when you lock the bolt open. THAT's what that little arrow scribed there is for, hehe

NWCP · January 19, 2013, 07:49 PM

Always.

Pahoo · January 19, 2013, 07:59 PM

During our Hunter Safety classes, one important "safety" point, is to always read the manual. More than once, I have recommended folks to contact the factory and they are always eager to provide manuals. Heck, there are even liability issues here. ...

Be Safe !!!

carguychris · January 19, 2013, 08:00 PM

I'd wouldn't want to see someone try to take down and reassemble a Ruger Mk-series pistol without the manual!

berettaprofessor · January 19, 2013, 08:02 PM

Always!

318 · January 19, 2013, 08:06 PM

That is a rhetorical question in my book. I read All manuals no matter what it is.

"Stupid is as stupid does"
-forrest gu..uump

Spydr1299 · January 19, 2013, 08:44 PM

Owners manuals...
http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm

JWT · January 19, 2013, 08:49 PM

Reading instructions, instruction manuals, and asking for directions just is not in the genes of the male species. But, I generally do have to read the manual when it comes time to clean a new gun and put it back together again.

SPEMack618 · January 19, 2013, 09:23 PM

There is a mighty big difference in reading the manual before doing anything with gun than consulting the manual while in the process of attempting to reassemble, that would be like admitting to the Ladyfriend that, yes, yes I do need the GPS.

Read it once and toss it in the drawer with all the other ones. Just in case.

Billy the Kidder · January 19, 2013, 09:24 PM

Quote:

I'd wouldn't want to see someone try to take down and reassemble a Ruger Mk-series pistol without the manual!

Heck, it's no fun the first few times even after reading it. I had to watch the videos too.

Rifleman1776 · January 20, 2013, 09:03 AM

Judging by many of the questions posted here most don't.
I'm sure many follow the old rule: "When all else fails, read the instructions."

GreaseMonkey4Hire · January 20, 2013, 10:47 AM

I usually read the manual to increase the amount of anticipation felt when getting ready to handle a new member of the family for the first time. Place new member in lap, manual in hand, read a page, look at new member and drool, read another page, repeat.

Old Grump · January 20, 2013, 07:05 PM

Right after I get the gun dirty and I want to clean it. I kind of like not messing anything up.

velillen · January 20, 2013, 07:14 PM

I flip through them quickly just to check. For new guns I'm not familiar with such as the ruger 10/22 I watched the official ruger takedown and reassembly videos. I'll watch a YouTube video or two as well if I'm not sure.

But yes I do at least browse the manuals.....usually on my throne to be honest.

Puddle · January 20, 2013, 09:13 PM

I always do.

Funny though, I remember when I was reading through the owner's manual for my Saiga 12. It was a pretty bad translation from Russian to English. Lots of comedy in the form of bad grammar and misused words.

Still read it cover to cover twice before I broke it broke down the shotgun and cleaned it.

olddav · January 20, 2013, 09:49 PM

Yes, I always read the manual if the gun comes with one (new). If purchased used I get on the web and find an on line copy or at least a exploded view. If I can't break it down I can't clean it properly.

Niantician · January 20, 2013, 10:11 PM

I'm sure just about everybody can read an owners manual and learn something they didn't know about their firearm.

Prof Young · January 20, 2013, 11:25 PM

I didn't have the owner's manual when I got my Beretta fs92. It scared the snot out of me the first time I slip the safety on with the hammer back and the hammer slammed down. Thought it was broken. Found manual on line. It's supposed to work that way and it's very safe.

Live well, be safe
Prof Young

wayneinFL · January 21, 2013, 02:39 AM

I hate to admit it, but I don't always read them. On the other hand, I do have a lot of the same type of gun. For example, ARs, S&W revolvers, Glocks, Remington 700s, Mossberg 500s.

Ben Towe · January 21, 2013, 03:55 AM

If it's a weapon I know thoroughly (Ruger M77, 1911, AR, Blackhawk, Glock) then not necessarily. If I see something I'm unsure of then I will break out the manual in a heartbeat. Many manufacturers have downloadable PDF files of their manuals on their websites now. God bless smartphones.

Patriot86 · January 21, 2013, 01:12 PM

I don't for guns I know like the SIG P226, P229 etc. Know one of them know them all.

On a new gun I will usually give the manual a once over and see if I can find a "takedown" video or two online.

Tom68 · January 21, 2013, 01:42 PM

Okay, I'll go ahead and say it because nobody else has so far that I've seen:

Yes, I read it, but I dang sure hate it because I can't stand being bombarded for the first thirty pages with diagrams and warnings telling me not to be stupid or careless. And yes, I'm fully aware of the litigious nature of our society, and the trial lawyer's insatiable need for the next high profile lawsuit, especially the gun-hating types just itching for a big class-action suit designed to put a manufacturer out of business. It's an unfortunate period we're living in, folks, and it's only getting worse. Before long those warnings rollmarked on barrels will become neon-colored billboards, and owners manuals will start being printed in volumes.

Just my rant for the day (okay, there'll probably be more)

But, just for kicks I do like to occasionally glance at some manuals I have from the 80s that are about 5 pages long, one page of which is an exploded view schematic and no red font writing in the whole thing.

bikerbill · January 21, 2013, 02:57 PM

I read everything that has a gun in it ... fired my XDs for the first time today, made sure to read the manual and learned that I was going to put oil where it doesn't belong ... read da book!!!

January 19, 2013, 07:08 PM	#1
stumper1300 Member Join Date: June 18, 2012 Posts: 55	do you read the owners manual? I had a guy call me the other day. He was all bent out of shape because he couldn't remove that steel rod that ruger had wedged into the reciever to hold the bolt open while in transit........... I began laughing to myself and said " say what ".... he repeated himself.said he had been trying to remove it and gave up. Its just wedged in there to tight. I explained how to release the bolt and when he tried it the bolt closed. READ THE DANG OWNERS MANUAL. If your not familiar with your new gun.

January 19, 2013, 07:11 PM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	No decent American "he man" need read any manual. He is naturally endowed with the mental ability of John Moses Browning and can easily re-engineer a gun with the help of Tapco or fix any car because he owns a Craftsman screwdriver and wrench. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 19, 2013, 07:48 PM	#3
MagnumWill Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2009 Location: Central Colorado Posts: 1,001	I did have to consult the manual once for a Marlin model 60 when you lock the bolt open. THAT's what that little arrow scribed there is for, hehe __________________ Those who hammer their swords into plow shares will plow for those who didn't...

January 19, 2013, 07:59 PM	#5
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	ALWAYS !!! During our Hunter Safety classes, one important "safety" point, is to always read the manual. More than once, I have recommended folks to contact the factory and they are always eager to provide manuals. Heck, there are even liability issues here. ... Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

January 19, 2013, 08:00 PM	#6
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	I'd wouldn't want to see someone try to take down and reassemble a Ruger Mk-series pistol without the manual! __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

January 19, 2013, 07:49 PM	#4
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	Always.

January 19, 2013, 08:02 PM	#7
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	Always!

January 19, 2013, 08:06 PM	#8
318 Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 102	That is a rhetorical question in my book. I read All manuals no matter what it is. "Stupid is as stupid does" -forrest gu..uump

January 19, 2013, 08:44 PM	#9
Spydr1299 Member Join Date: September 2, 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 24	Owners manuals... http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm

January 19, 2013, 08:49 PM	#10
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	Reading instructions, instruction manuals, and asking for directions just is not in the genes of the male species. But, I generally do have to read the manual when it comes time to clean a new gun and put it back together again.

January 19, 2013, 09:23 PM	#11
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	There is a mighty big difference in reading the manual before doing anything with gun than consulting the manual while in the process of attempting to reassemble, that would be like admitting to the Ladyfriend that, yes, yes I do need the GPS. Read it once and toss it in the drawer with all the other ones. Just in case. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

January 20, 2013, 09:03 AM	#13
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Judging by many of the questions posted here most don't. I'm sure many follow the old rule: "When all else fails, read the instructions."

January 20, 2013, 10:47 AM	#14
GreaseMonkey4Hire Member Join Date: November 17, 2012 Location: Northern Missouri Posts: 20	I usually read the manual to increase the amount of anticipation felt when getting ready to handle a new member of the family for the first time. Place new member in lap, manual in hand, read a page, look at new member and drool, read another page, repeat.

January 20, 2013, 07:05 PM	#15
Old Grump Member in memoriam Join Date: April 9, 2009 Location: Blue River Wisconsin, in Posts: 3,144	Right after I get the gun dirty and I want to clean it. I kind of like not messing anything up. __________________ Good intentions will always be pleaded for any assumption of power. The Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern will, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Daniel Webster--

January 20, 2013, 07:14 PM	#16
velillen Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 93	I flip through them quickly just to check. For new guns I'm not familiar with such as the ruger 10/22 I watched the official ruger takedown and reassembly videos. I'll watch a YouTube video or two as well if I'm not sure. But yes I do at least browse the manuals.....usually on my throne to be honest.

January 20, 2013, 09:13 PM	#17
Puddle Member Join Date: January 19, 2013 Posts: 57	I always do. Funny though, I remember when I was reading through the owner's manual for my Saiga 12. It was a pretty bad translation from Russian to English. Lots of comedy in the form of bad grammar and misused words. Still read it cover to cover twice before I broke it broke down the shotgun and cleaned it.

January 20, 2013, 09:49 PM	#18
olddav Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2008 Location: Lower Alabama Posts: 727	Yes, I always read the manual if the gun comes with one (new). If purchased used I get on the web and find an on line copy or at least a exploded view. If I can't break it down I can't clean it properly. __________________ Never beat your head against the wall with out a helmet

January 20, 2013, 10:11 PM	#19
Niantician Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2005 Location: Ct. Posts: 546	I'm sure just about everybody can read an owners manual and learn something they didn't know about their firearm. __________________ There are many things in life that are out of my control. Recoil isn't one of them.

January 20, 2013, 11:25 PM	#20
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Read it! I didn't have the owner's manual when I got my Beretta fs92. It scared the snot out of me the first time I slip the safety on with the hammer back and the hammer slammed down. Thought it was broken. Found manual on line. It's supposed to work that way and it's very safe. Live well, be safe Prof Young

January 21, 2013, 02:39 AM	#21
wayneinFL Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2004 Posts: 1,944	I hate to admit it, but I don't always read them. On the other hand, I do have a lot of the same type of gun. For example, ARs, S&W revolvers, Glocks, Remington 700s, Mossberg 500s.

January 21, 2013, 03:55 AM	#22
Ben Towe Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2009 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 1,128	If it's a weapon I know thoroughly (Ruger M77, 1911, AR, Blackhawk, Glock) then not necessarily. If I see something I'm unsure of then I will break out the manual in a heartbeat. Many manufacturers have downloadable PDF files of their manuals on their websites now. God bless smartphones. __________________ 'Merica: Back to back World War Champs

January 21, 2013, 01:12 PM	#23
Patriot86 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,293	I don't for guns I know like the SIG P226, P229 etc. Know one of them know them all. On a new gun I will usually give the manual a once over and see if I can find a "takedown" video or two online. __________________ "....The swords of others will set you your limits".

January 21, 2013, 01:42 PM	#24
Tom68 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 349	Okay, I'll go ahead and say it because nobody else has so far that I've seen: Yes, I read it, but I dang sure hate it because I can't stand being bombarded for the first thirty pages with diagrams and warnings telling me not to be stupid or careless. And yes, I'm fully aware of the litigious nature of our society, and the trial lawyer's insatiable need for the next high profile lawsuit, especially the gun-hating types just itching for a big class-action suit designed to put a manufacturer out of business. It's an unfortunate period we're living in, folks, and it's only getting worse. Before long those warnings rollmarked on barrels will become neon-colored billboards, and owners manuals will start being printed in volumes. Just my rant for the day (okay, there'll probably be more) But, just for kicks I do like to occasionally glance at some manuals I have from the 80s that are about 5 pages long, one page of which is an exploded view schematic and no red font writing in the whole thing.

January 21, 2013, 02:57 PM	#25
bikerbill Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: Lago Vista TX Posts: 2,425	I read everything that has a gun in it ... fired my XDs for the first time today, made sure to read the manual and learned that I was going to put oil where it doesn't belong ... read da book!!! __________________ "The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus