How to Use a .22 Semi-automatic Rifle

An age-old standby for hunting small game or target shooting is the .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle. Relatively inexpensive and easy to use, these guns provide for shooting rounds in rapid succession, without the need to stop and reload between each shot. Follow these steps and tips to safely use the .22 semi-automatic rifle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety glasses
• Ear plugs or muffs
• Gun cleaning kit
• Ammunition
• Rifle magazine

1. Follow all safety rules and wear proper personal protection at all times when using or maintaining a .22 semi-automatic rifle or other guns. There is a safety mechanism near the trigger that you must keep on at all times except during intentional firing.

2. Unload and inspect the rifle before each use. Ensure the safety is on, slide open the bolt by pulling back on the slide, then lock it open. This action will eject the cartridge in the chamber. Remove the ammunition magazine and make sure you have left no bullet in the firing mechanism. Clean the rifle, if needed.

3. Load the rifle. Use only the magazine supplied with the .22, or a proper replacement, and only ammunition of the exact caliber. Ensure the bullets are clean and insert them into the magazine with the bullet tip pointing toward the rounded opening in the magazine.

4. Slide the ammunition clip into the magazine well, with the bolt locked open and the safety on, until it snaps securely in place. Pull the slide handle all the way back, release and let it spring forward without restraint. This will chamber a round, and your rifle is ready to fire after releasing the trigger lock, or safety.

5. Ensure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction, and place the safety in the "off" position. The rifle will fire each time you pull the trigger until the magazine is empty. Unload the rifle using the instructions in Step 2 immediately after you finish shooting.

Tips & Warnings

• Semi-automatic rifles can also be operated as a single shot by manually loading a bullet.
• Wear personal protective equipment when shooting guns, including eye and hearing protection.
• Use only magazines in good condition and manufactured for your particular rifle.
• Avoid lead exposure by handling ammunition with gloves or thoroughly washing your hands when you're done.
• Don't rely on the bolt lock as a safety device. It can disengage with movement. Only rely on the safety trigger lock.
• Keep hands and face away from the bolt and magazine area when firing. They are spring-loaded and can pinch.
• Firing too many rounds in quick succession can cause the rifle barrel to heat up. To avoid "cook off," or heat firing of a round in the chamber, always unload the gun promptly.
• Any gun can fire when dropped if there is a cartridge in the chamber.

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