I need tips on my first rimfire

[Vindo310]

Ok so I just bought my first handgun and .22 in the form of a blued Ruger Mark III with the bull barrel. I am used to my rifles where I can rack the slide all day long without harming it(as well as dry firing). Can violently racking the mark's bolt harm it? Do I need to help the bolt along if it is/isn't loading a round?

I assume dry firing a rimfire is a no no. Is this correct on this handgun? Any other tips for a first time handgun/rimfire owner would be great. Thanks!

[BSlacker]

I don't know why one would get violent with the slide of a Ruger MKlll. But you will not be able to harm it with your hands.
Dry fire all you want as well. If you have not disassembled it and lost the part that prevents dry firing damage then dry fire until you drop, it won't hurt the gun.
Please use action proving dummies instead of live rimfire ammo for function testing off the range or whatever it is your doing when not at the range. Using live rimfire ammo for fooling around is asking for a problem.

[Vindo310]

By violent I meant pulling the bolt back and letting it go by itself without help. Thanks for the info