Firearm Recalls & Warnings Index
REMINGTON ARMS
MODEL 1911, SHOTGUNS
WARNING: Older model
Remington 1911 Shotguns may have the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
There should be a fiber washer located in the rear hump of the receiver
which prohibits the bolt assembly from coming back to the rear of the receiver. This washer has an opening in the center to
provide clearance for the rear of the firing pin which is in the center of the bolt assembly which protrudes approximately 1/8 of
an inch beyond the rear. When the washer is removed or missing and the bolt is jammed into the rear of the receiver the shotgun
could unintentionally discharge.
Remington Arms
14 Hoefler Avenue
Illion, NY 13357
Source:
REMINGTON
MODEL XP-100, PISTOLS
RECALL: Remington Arms Model XP-100
bolt action pistols manufactured before February 1975 and between January 1, 1987 and October 4, 1988 have been withdrawn from
sale temporarily for correction of trigger assembly mechanisms.
This action was taken because a limited number of pistols produced during
that time period may have an improperly installed part in the trigger assembly mechanism. Although it is unlikely, the affected
part could inadvertently allow the pistol to fire when the bolt is closed or when the safety is released.
The company is now undertaking a program to identify and recover all
pistols made and sold during this period. As a precaution, Remington will, at no charge, correct the affected trigger assembly
part in all pistols that could possibly be involved.
All Remington customers (whole-salers and dealers) and individual
consumers are being notified, and it is expected that this program will quickly identify owners of the affected pistols.
Please remember that this trigger assembly correction program applies
only to a limited number of Model XP-100 pistols and not to any other Remington gun models.
If you have purchased a Remington model XP-100 pistol before February of
1975 or between January 1, 1987 and October 4, 1988, DO NOT LOAD IT.
We ask that you call our XP-100 Correction Program at (800) 634-2459 (in
Canada 800 634-5401) with the serial number of your pistol. From that number we can tell you immediately if your is one of the
possibly affected pistols, and if it is, how you can arrange for free correction of the trigger assembly.
Source:
-
Company
Notice October 25, 1978
-
Virginia
Ledger-Star October 26, 1978
-
AFTE
Journal, January 1979; Volume 11, Number 1:19
-
American Firearms Industry, January 1989; page 30
-
California Department Of Justice Firearms Safety Note 89-1
REMINGTON
MODEL 700,CENTER FIRE RIFLES MFG BEFORE 1982
MODEL 600, 660, 721, 722 40-X RIFLES MFG BEFORE MARCH 1982
MODEL XP-100 TARGET PISTOL MFG BEFORE FEBRUARY 1975
RECALL: Remington Arms Company, Inc. is offering a safety modification program for certain
bolt-action centerfire firearms manufactured prior to 1982, including the Model 700, Model 600, 660, 721, 722, 40-X bolt-action
rifles (made before March 1982) and Model XP-100 target pistols made before February 1975.
These firearms have a feature known as a bolt-lock that requires the safety to be placed in the “off” position in order to
unload the gun. If you participated in this program, your firearm will be modified to eliminate the bolt-lock feature. The
operation of your gun will not be otherwise affected.
If you want assistance, call Remington’s toll-free consumer hotline at (877) 387-6691. To learn more about the 1979 safety
recall, check our website at www.remington.com.
Offer valid through December 31, 2002
Remington
870 Remington Drive
Madison, North Carolina 27025-0700
Source:
North American Hunter, August 2002; page 103
Added 5/25/03
REMINGTON
MODEL 600, 660, MOHAWK 600, RIFLES
RECALL: The
Remington Arms Company, Inc. announced today that under certain unusual circumstances on some of its centerfire bolt-action
rifles, the safety selector and trigger could be manipulated in such a way that subsequently moving the selector to the fire
position could result in accidental discharge. Remington firearms involved are Model 600,
660, and Mohawk 600 rifles manufactured prior to February 1975.
The difficulty can be corrected by installation of a new trigger
assembly. In view of the potential safety hazard, the Company is recalling all of these guns produced prior to February 1975 for
inspection and modification as required. Efforts are being made to contact owners of these guns. Individuals who have Model 600,
660 and Mohawk 600 rifles involved in the recall should write to:
Remington Arms Company, Inc.
Bridgeport, CT 06602
Or call:
800-241-8444 (all states),
GA residents call 800-282-1333.
Customers should give the operator the model and serial numbers of their gun when
calling. Serial numbers involved in the recall are as follows:
Model 600
#0001 to 131,552
Model 660
#0001 to 131,552
Model Mohawk 600
#6,200,000 to 6,899,999
Source:
REMINGTON,
MODEL 700, 17 REMINGTON CALIBER, RIFLE**
RECALL: The Remington Arms Company is
recalling all Model 700 bolt-action centerfire rifles in .17 Remington caliber. The company is taking this action because some of
these .17 caliber barrels could develop cracks and splits. A barrel split could result in serious personal injury.
Shooters who purchased Model 700s after January 1, 1981 are requested by
Remington not to use them. They are requested to contact Remington by calling its toll-free numbers in the U.S.: (800) 634-2459 or
in Canada: (800) 634-5401. The customer should present the serial number of his rifle to Remington personnel to determine if he
owns an affected rifle. All affected rifles returned to Remington under the recall will have barrels replaced at no charge to the
owners.
No other Model 700 rifles in other calibers or any
other Remington autoloading or pump-action centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns are included in this recall.
**Some visitors have reported that Remington representatives have no knowledge of this recall. Also, the phone number listed has been found to possibly be invalid. Use these numbers at your own risk! Visit the Remington website to obtain current customer service information.
Source:
-
AFTE
Journal, April 1990; Volume 22, Number 2:227
-
Shooting
Times, March 1990; page 47
-
American Firearms
Industry, February 1990; page 19
-
American
Rifleman, January 1990; page ?
-
American
Rifleman, February 1990; page 10
-
California
Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 90-1
REMINGTON
MODEL 700, SEVEN, 40-XB, 40-XC, & SPORTSMAN 78
RECALL: Remington Arms centerfire
rifle Models 700, Seven, 40-XB, 40-XC and Sportsman 78 manufactured between July 29 and December 11, 1987, have been withdrawn
from sale temporarily for replacement if trigger assembly mechanisms.
This action was taken because a limited number of rifles produced during
that period may have an improperly manufactured part in the trigger assembly mechanism. Although it is unlikely, the defective
part could break and cause the rifle to fire accidentally.
Remington Arms has launched a program to identify and recover all rifles
made and sold during this period, and as a precaution, will replace the trigger assembly on every affected rifle without charge to
the owner.
All Remington trade customers and individual rifle owners are being
notified, and it is expected that this program will quickly identify owners of the affected rifles.
This notice applies only to those bolt action models listed. No other
Remington firearms are involved.
If you have purchased one of these rifles since July 29, 1987, do not
load it.
We ask that you call our Trigger Assembly Replacement Program at
1-800-634-2459 with the model and serial number of your rifle. From that number, we can tell you immediately if yours is one of
the affected rifles, and if it is, how you can arrange for a free replacement of the trigger assembly.
Source:
-
Guns
& Ammo, June 1988; page 89
-
Rifle, July-August 1988; Volume 22, Number 4, page ?
-
California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 88-3
RG INDUSTRIES
MODEL RG26,
25 AUTO CALIBER, PISTOL
WARNING: The
RG Industries, 25 Auto caliber, model RG26, pistol may potentially MISFIRE and/or UNINTENTIONALLY DISCHARGE. With the magazine loaded. The first five rounds failed to fire. No firing pin impressions were apparent in the
primers of the first three rounds but the fourth and fifth rounds contained faint firing pin impressions. Examination of the
underside of the slide revealed that the metal ridges bordering the firing pin canal were worn down. As soon as the magazine was
moved a slight distance, the weapon discharged, even though there was no finger near trigger. The top round in the magazine was
examined. It interfered with the forward motion of the firing pin.
RG Industries
2485 N.W. 20th Street, S.E.
Miami, FL 33124
Source:
RUGER
MODEL STANDARD & MARK I,
22 LONG RIFLE CALIBER, PISTOL
WARNING: The
examination revealed that the pistol could be fired by means other than pulling the trigger. Striking the front of the trigger
guard with a plastic mallet or dropping the pistol on its muzzle may cause an UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Lacey Place
Southport, CT 06490
Source:
RUGER
MODEL MARK II,
22 LONG RIFLE CALIBER, PISTOLS
RECALL: This important notice
pertains only to the following semiautomatic pistols:
Ruger Mark II Standard - Automatic Pistol (4 3/4 inch barrel, blued only)
Serial Number Range 210-92816 to 210-94772.
Ruger Mark II Pistols - Standard, Target and Bull Barrel models, (blued
only) Serial Number Range 211-28500 to 211-40000.
Two pistols in the above serial number range have been discovered to fire
if the trigger is pulled when the safety is on "S" and then the safety is moved to the "F" position.
To determine if this can happen, we urge all owners of these pistols to
perform the following test:
-
After ascertaining that the pistol is completely unloaded, retract
the bolt, let it return fully forward, and place the safety in the "S" position.
-
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, pull the trigger.
-
Then place the safety in the "F" position.
-
Pull the trigger. You should hear a click as the
hammer falls in a properly functioning pistol.
If you do not hear a click,
the pistol can fire simply by moving the safety to the "F" position. Do Not Use the Pistol.
Ship it at once via U.P.S. to:
Sturm Ruger & Company, Inc.
Department MK II
Lacey Place
Southport, Connecticut 06490
We will repair the pistol and return it to you at no charge.
Source:
-
Shooting Times, September 1985; page 96
-
Guns, October 1985; page 18
-
American Rifleman, August 1985; page 2
-
California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 86-7
RUGER
“Old Model” (pre-1973) SINGLE-SIX,
BLACKHAWK, & BEARCAT, REVOLVERS
RECALL: The patented Ruger Conversion
Kit is an entirely new operating system for these old revolvers. It can help prevent accidental discharges caused by a drop or blow to the hammer if the user has failed to take the basic
safety precaution of keeping the hammer down on an empty chamber. That's very important!
This mechanism can be factory installed without any further alteration.
The frame and other major parts will not be affected by this Conversion. The value of the gun will not be impaired, and we will
return your original parts for collector's purposes.
To receive a free factory safety conversion, write to us at:
Sturm, Ruger and Company, Inc.
Lacey Place
Department KC
Southport, CT 06490
We will provide you with a shipping container and instructions. You only
pay initial shipping to our factory. We will cover all other charges including return shipping costs. Please write to us without
delay if you have one of these guns, and tell your friends about the availability of this kit. Remember that the safest way to
carry any older single-action revolver, regardless of manufacturer, is with the hammer down on an empty chamber.
If your revolver has the words "New Model" on the frame, this
offer is not applicable. Please write to us at "Department C" for full details.
Source:
-
Company Notice 1980 & 1982
-
American Rifleman, November 1980; page 9
-
American Rifleman, February 1982; page 65
-
Handgun, February 1999; page 37
RUGER
MODEL POLICE SERVICE-SIX,
38 SPECIAL CALIBER, REVOLVER
WARNING: After
opening the cylinder in normal fashion by pressing on the cylinder release button, the hammer, which is locked down as part of its
safe design, can be unlocked and cocked by applying thumbnail pressure to the forward edge of the cylinder release button. When
the cylinder is then closed, the hammer drops discharging the firearm as the trigger moves forward. The transfer bar is defeated
without touching the trigger.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Lacey Place
Southport, CT 06490
Source:
RUGER
MODEL P-85,
9MM LUGER CALIBER, PISTOLS
RECALL: We have recently learned of a
broken firing pin in a P85 automatic pistol, which caused the pistol to fire as a result of decocking. This is the first report of
this nature in over 200,000 pistols delivered to customers since 1987. No injury occurred because the shooter kept the pistol
pointed in a safe direction during decocking.
Nevertheless, we regard this incident as important because it reveals a
potential danger, which we are prepared to eliminate in all P85 pistols now in use. This modification is very simple and does not
alter the handling or appearance of this pistol, but it must be installed at the factory.
Accordingly, we urgently request that all owners of P85 pistols contact
us immediately to obtain any further information they may desire, and to arrange for return of their P85 pistols to the factory
for modification. Please contact us at:
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Department S
Ruger Road
Prescott, AZ 86301
Or call us for P85 inquiries only at 800-424-1886. Please have your
pistol serial number available when contacting us.
We will schedule your gun for factory installation of a new safety/decock
system free of charge. It will prevent this type of accidental firing even in the rare event of firing pin breakage.
This free safety modification applies only to pistols rollmarked
"P85" on the slide. Pistols, which are rollmarked “MKII”, will have these modifications as part of their original
manufacture, and are not subject to this modification.
We are also taking this opportunity to remind shooters of the most common
and basic firearms safety rule:
Always Keep The Pistol Pointed In A Safe Direction! This is particularly
important when loading, unloading, or decocking any pistol.
Source:
-
Guns,
March 1991; page 72
-
Guns,
December 1991; page 65
-
American
Rifleman, December 1990; page 17
-
AFTE
Journal, January 1991; Volume 23, Number 1:507
RUGER
MODEL M-77, BOLT ACTION RIFLES
RECALL: The trigger overtravel
adjustment setscrew in a few of these rifles may not be securely tightened and may move too readily. This change in original
adjustment can, in extreme cases, either cause the rifle to fire unexpectedly (with the safety "off") or cause the rifle
to not fire at all. This may occur suddenly, without warning.
Current production rifles have this setscrew permanently secured. These
rifles have a "T" inscribed on the underside of the bolt handle. This condition cannot occur in any of our other
firearms, such as the 77/22, 10/22, No. 1, No. 3, or the .44 Carbine, as their trigger mechanisms differ.
For your safety, we ask that all owners of M-77 rifles (except those with
a "T" underneath the bolt handle) contact us.
You will receive a new locking screw that will replace your present
overtravel adjustment set screw and detailed instructions for quick, easy installation. There is no charge for this service and
replacing the screw will have no adverse effect on trigger pull.
Do not use your M-77 rifle until you have received and installed the
replacement screw.
Source:
-
American Rifleman, November 1985; page 10
-
Shooting Times, December 1985; page 19
-
Guns, January 1986; page 21
-
California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 86-9
RUGER
MODEL STAINLESS STEEL MINI-14 RIFLES
RECALL: Ruger is
recalling all stainless steel Mini-14 rifles with serial numbers below 182-51929 with only one proofmark on the receiver.
We have examined a total of three stainless steel
Mini-14 rifles that have been returned from users with cracked receivers. In every instance, this situation was traced to a
combination of two factors:
Not all stainless steel Mini-14 rifles have an excessively hard receiver.
Every Mini-14 ever shipped, like other Ruger firearms, has been proof tested. We cannot tell which ones are too hard by serial
number alone. Therefore, we are recalling all of our stainless steel Mini-14 rifles below serial number 182-51929 bearing only one
proofmark on the receiver for inspection, testing, and re-heat treatment, if necessary. Most rifles will require only a Rockwell
test and will be returned after testing. Rifles tested will be given an additional proofmark. Only some rifles will require
re-heat treatment.
Remove the buttstock from your rifle, and remove all custom accessories.
The remainder of the rifle is all that we need. Securely package and insure your barreled action, bolt, trigger housing group, and
handguard (a shipping carton is available upon request), and ship it UPS AOD to:
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Guild Road - Dept. 14
Newport, New Hampshire 03773
(603) 863-3300 ext. Mini-14
Source:
-
Company Notice 1981
-
AFTE Journal, July 1981; Volume 13, Number 3:6
-
American Rifleman, November 1981; page 66
SAVAGE
MODEL 170C,
30-30 WINCHESTER CALIBER, RIFLE
WARNING: The
firing pin nose may extend out of the breech bolt because the spring was not functioning properly. The firing pin spring can be
damaged by debris such as a large piece of brass being lodged in it’s coils. This situation causes the binding and may result in
an unintentional discharge.
Savage Arms
100 Springdale Road,
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-7001
Source:
AFTE Journal, October 1983; Volume 15, Number
4:5
STEVENS/SAVAGE
MODEL 110E SERIES K,
.243 WINCHESTER, .270 WINCHESTER,
.30-06 SPRINGFIELD CALIBER, RIFLES
WARNING: These
rifles did not fire with its safety engaged. However, when the safety is “off” these rifles will fire when dropped either on
the muzzle or with their barrel in a horizontal position.
Savage Arms
100 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-7001
Source:
AFTE Journal, January 1994; Volume 26, Number
1:2-3
SAVAGE
MODEL 110E,
.30-06 SPRINGFIELD CALIBER, RIFLE
WARNING: The
rifle did not fire with its safety engaged. However, with the safety “off” it fired when struck on top of the receiver bridge
or grip area of the buttstock from underneath, regardless of the whether the rifle is in an horizontal, vertical or upside down
position.
Savage Arms
100 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-7001
Source:
SIGARMS
MODEL P220, P225, P226, P228, P229 & P230,
SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOLS
WARNING: All
owners and users of SIG-Sauer pistols are reminded to use the decocking lever to decock their pistols. This is the only way to
safely lower the hammer from the cocked position and prevent an accidental discharge caused by thumb-slipping or dropping the
pistol.
The warning applies to all pistols with decocking levers. The model
numbers include:
P220, P225,
P226, P228,
P229, P230
The only positive way to safely lower the hammer is by use of the
decocking lever.
Hammers should never be lowered by manually lowering the hammer by
pulling the trigger. Manually lowering the hammer is dangerous in itself and prevents the full application of the pistol's safety
features.
The decocking lever is the only proper method of lowering the hammer and
assuring that the hammer rests in the intercept notch. The intercept notch prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin,
whether from slipping manually or accidentally dropping the pistol.
DO NOT thumb the hammer down. The consequence can be serious
injury or death. Only and always use the decocking lever!
Source:
-
Handguns,
July 1993; page 61
-
Law Enforcement Technology, August 1993; page 20
SIG SAUER
PISTOL REPLACEMENT GRIPS
WARNING: Pistols May
Malfunction if Grips are Replaced
Police officers who have replaced the original grips on their Sig Sauer
pistols are being advised that some replacement grips may cause the pistol to malfunction. The National Institute of Justice's
Technology Assessment Program has learned that at least one police officer who replaced the grips on his Sig Sauer pistol has
experienced malfunctions. While the pistol performed fine at the time the grips were replaced, it soon began to malfunction with
further firing. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is concerned that other police officers who have replaced the grips on
their Sig Sauer pistols may be unaware of the problem and might experience the first malfunction during a life-threatening
situation.
Sigarms, Inc., which distributes the pistols, responded to NIJ's concern
in the following way:
"...concerning the use of 'aftermarket' grips on Sig Sauer pistols,
we wish to advise the following:
The grip plates on our pistols serve a dual purpose:
-
Conventional covers of the metal frame to properly 'fit' the hand,
and
-
to hold in place and protect the various springs, levers, and pins
that are assembled to the frame.
The factory grip plates are of rigid 'plastic' material designed to
accomplish these two purposes.
It is most important that any 'aftermarket' grip be rigid, particularly
in the areas immediately adjacent to these components. It is most important that the grip be rigid at the hammer pin area to
prevent this pin from 'walking' as otherwise this pin could move and cause the firearm to become inoperable.
The 'aftermarket' grips of the 'soft' type should be
constructed with some form of rigid insert in the area of the hammer pin to prevent any flexing of the material that would allow
the pin to move, Further, care should be taken in the design of such grip that 'squeezing' of the grips would not interfere with
the operation or movement of springs or levers in the frame.
Anyone who has replaced the original grips on a Sig Sauer pistol is
encouraged to verify the suitability of the grips by contacting Sigarms, Inc., 470 Spring Park Place, Unit 900, Herndon, VA 22070,
703-481-6660.
While NIJ is not aware of similar problems arising from the use of
replacement grips on handguns manufactured by other companies, police officers are encouraged to check with the manufacturer of a
handgun before installing replacement grips.
Source:
-
Law Enforcement Technology, July/August 1989; page ?
-
AFTE Journal, October 1989; Volume 21, Number 4:656
-
California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 89-2
SMITH
& WESSON
MODEL 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 48, 53, 66, & 67, REVOLVERS
WARNING:
Smith & Wesson recommends that the trigger stop be removed from all medium-size frame
revolvers with target sights that are used for law enforcement or defense purposes.
When
the K-Target revolver was redesigned in 1946, a trigger stop was provided to limit over travel of the trigger when firing single
action. Its removal does not otherwise affect normal functioning of the revolver.
Under
certain conditions of use, however, a possibility exists that the trigger stop may loosen and rotate in such a way as to render
the revolver inoperative. This is limited to the models:
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 48, 53, 66, 67 revolvers with target sights.
A
redesigned trigger stop that eliminates even the remote possibility of interfering with the operation of the revolver is presently
available.
The
serious single-action target shooter may have a new design trigger stop installed by shipping his unloaded revolver,
transportation prepaid, to his nearest Smith & Wesson Factory Service Center. Modification will be made and the revolver
returned free of charge.
Agencies
with a number of revolvers should contact Smith & Wesson to schedule service. Parts and instructions for armorers are also
available free of charge. Contact:
F.J.
Longtin
Service Manager
Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01101
Source: