Winchester Repeating Arms 1886 (Historic Manual) - Manual (Page 21)

As is true with other firearms, when the safety mech-
anisms on this rifle are engaged, they are designed to
prevent accidental discharge. However,
these mecha-
nisms may not necessarily prevent the accidental dis-
charge
of this firearm as a result of jarring or abuse
such as occurs when a firearm is dropped.
ALWAYS ASSUME THAT YOUR GUN CAN
BE FIRED AT ANY TIME, EVEN WITH ALL
SAFETY MECHANISMS ENGAGED.
WHENEVER YOU ARE NOT ACTUALLY
FIRING YOUR RIFLE ALWAYS BE CERTAIN
THAT YOUR RIFLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION.
Continually be aware of the position of the safety
(manual hammer stop) on your rifle. Check it both
manually and visually to avoid any chance of acci-
dental discharge. Always keep the safety in the “on”
position unless you are actually firing the rifle. It is a
good idea to keep the action open (with the finger
lever down) at all times other than when you are in
the field and shooting is imminent.
ED THAT THE ACTION BE KEPT OPEN AT
ALL TIMES WHEN YOUR RIFLE IS LAYING
ING RANGE OR OTHER FACILITY.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR
RIFLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN INJURY
OR DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS.
IMPORTANT: IT IS ALWAYS RECOMMEND-
ON ANY BENCH OR TABLE AT A SHOOT-