SIG SAUER P556 User Manual

Page 21

P556 Pistol Operators Manual

1511582 VER 08.01.08

Bolt Catch Lever

The P556 pistol is equipped with a bolt catch lever. The

purpose of the bolt catch lever is two-fold. The bolt catch may be

manually engaged with the bolt pulled to the rear (open position).

This action locks the bolt open, allowing an unobstructed view

of the chamber area. During firing, with a magazine inserted, the

bolt catch will lock the bolt open after the last round in the

magazine has been expended, giving a visual indication the

magazine is empty and allowing the shooter to visually check that

the chamber is clear. The bolt is engaged by the bolt catch lever

when the bolt catch lever is pushed upward by the magazine

follower during the cycle of operation. The bolt can be manually

released (closed) by either depressing the bolt catch lever or by

pulling rearward on the charging handle and releasing.

CAUTION

: Dropping or jarring the pistol with the bolt locked

open can cause the bolt catch lever to disengage. If a maga-

zine, loaded with ammunition, is inserted in the pistol when this

occurs, a round will chamber with the potential for an

unintentional discharge. ALWAYS handle the pistol as if loaded

whenever a magazine is inserted in the pistol. ALWAYS place

the safety lever in the “S” (SAFE) position and unload the pistol

whenever shooting is complete.