Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Firearm Forum Question: Remington Rifle Recall - Updated

Ask A Firearms Question:
Is it true that Remington has a massive recall on their Hunting Rifles?
Also what's the difference between a Negligent Discharge and an Accidental Discharge?
Thank you The Sharpshooter.


UPDATE ON REMINGTON RIFLE RECALLS
Dated: December, 2014

Latest on Remington Rifle Recalls, pending approval by a Judge on a settlement of a massive lawsuit against Remington.
Tentatively Remington is considering a RECALL of all their Hunting Rifles in the following series from 1980 to Present...
Note some are insisting this go all the way back to 1946.
This would involve more than one style Trigger mechanism.
Model 700; Seven; Sportsman 78; 710; 715; 721; 722; 725; 770; 600; 660; 673; and XP 100 (Long Range Centerfire Pistol).
Public Notice of Pending Lawsuit issued by Remington December 6, 2014.
The Pending Recall by Remington is a Fix, Reimbursement, or Replacement action.

Under the terms of the Pending Lawsuit the following may apply ....
If the Rifle is newly purchased Remington will repair (retrofit) or replace the firearm.
If the Rifle is older it will be repaired (retrofitted) by Remington. This will be done at NO cost to the owner.
If parts are no longer available on any of the Model Numbers for various reasons, and cannot be repaired (retrofitted), Remington plans to issue a Voucher to those owners that can be used on other Remington Products. 
Some owners, like myself, have all ready fixed this issue on their Rifles by having new trigger mechanisms installed. Remington says they will reimburse owners for this cost.
This effects Rifles Made for the general public, law enforcement, and in some cases for the military.

What went wrong and why:
The original designer of the Trigger, Merle 'Mike' Walker began blowing the whistle on his own design in 1946 and wrote a memo to Remington which apparently was ignored.
The unique Trigger Mechanism was originally designed for the Model 721 just after World War 2 and was popular because of its smooth action and accuracy.
The problem is simple, the gun could be made to fire by switching off the 'Safety' which is exactly what happened to my Model 700 USMC Sniper Rifle. When I rereleased the safety the gun discharged rising up from a bench position and smacking me in the face.
If you own one of these Remington Rifles other than the Model 700 and contact Remington you may be told that you will have to wait until the Judge makes a final ruling.

==> I called Remington's Hotline listed below, today, December 30, 2014 and confirmed that there is NO settlement and the above is pending by a judge. The decision is forthcoming sometime in 2015.
Remington also informed me that the only Recall authorized at this time is on the Model 700 and Seven.
I ask if they would reimburse me for my two Model 700 Rifle retrofits I paid for and was told 'NO.'


Original Posted Topic below:
The Remington Standard Model 700
The Remington Model 700 Tactical

Answer:

Blog Administrator -
For the First part of your question:
Yes this is true and it has been going on for sometime. Remington is undergoing a massive recall of all their Model 700 and Model Seven Series Rifles, all calibers, both right and left handed bolt action, all rifle stock types and configurations.
As for the second part of your question, what is the difference between an Accidental Discharge and Negligent Discharge, one is caused by the firearm the other by human error.
The Accidental Discharge is when an event occurs whereby the firearm discharges (fires) at a time not intended. Example: The firearm is in safe mode, the trigger is pulled, and the weapon discharges (manufacturing defect).
The Negligent Discharge is when a firearm discharges (fires) due to owner negligence or carelessness and at a time not intended. Example: The trigger has been modified or someone thinks the gun is empty.

What to do if you own a Remington Model 700 or Seven Series Rifle ....
Remington has provided a website whereby you can check the serial number (S/N) to see if your firearm is effected.
However, even if you are not on the recall list, to be safe I suggest you test the rifle. There are a couple ways this can be done. Important, always make sure the weapon is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction before attempting these tests.
Test Methods: 1) The Drop Test Fire (also known as the slam test), note this should only be done on rifles with a recoil pad. See my homemade video below on how to test your Rifle using this method. 2) Trigger Pressure Test with Rifle in Safe Mode (safety on).

Steps for Self Test Method # 1: Drop Test Fire Your Rifle ....
Step 1 - Make sure your Rifle is empty (unchambered), NO rounds in the chamber or magazine)
Step 2 - Place the weapon in fire mode, cocked, and with the safety on.
Step 3 - Holding the rifle upright with one hand and approximately 12 inches off the floor, loosely let the rifle slide through your grip with the recoil pad hitting the floor, See Video. If the rifle discharges it has a safety issue, do not use the weapon, either take it to a gunsmith or return it to the manufacturer for repair.
Step 4 - Take the Rifle off safety and discharge the weapon.
Step 5 - Now place the weapon in fire mode again, with the safety off.
Step 6 - Repeat Step 3.

Steps for Self Test Method # 2: Trigger Pressure Test with Rifle in Safe Mode 
(safety on) ....
Step 1 - Make sure your Rifle is empty (unchambered), NO rounds in the chamber or magazine)
Step 2 - Cock the rifle to fire mode. Place the Safety on (in safe mode).
Step 3 - Pull on the trigger with pressure. If the rifle discharges it has a safety issue, do not use the weapon, either take it to a gunsmith or return it to the manufacturer for repair.
Step 4 - Once again, cock the rifle to fire mode.
Step 5 - Flip the Safety on and off several times, with the safety off, pull the trigger and discharge the rifle, now cock the rifle and put the safety back on, then release the safety. While doing this, if the rifle discharges at any time while in safe mode, it has a safety issue, do not use the weapon, either take it to a gunsmith or return it to the manufacturer for repair.

CHECK IF YOUR REMINGTON RIFLE IS ON THE RECALL LIST:
To determine if your Rifle is being recalled you will need the Serial Number.
The serial number on a Remington Rifle can be found where the barrel meets the Receiver, on the Left Side of the Rifle for a right handed bolt, opposite side for a left handed bolt, see picture below:
Also, according to Remington you can identify the Recall Rifles (any caliber) by the Trigger, see Photos below:
RECALL ...
No Recall ...


You may contact Remington about your firearm to see if you are on the RECALL List by using one of two methods:

1) You can call Remington at:
800.243.9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #1)
Remington hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT.

2) You can simply enter your Serial Number (S/N) on Remington Firearms Recall Website, here is the LINK:

Remington releases Youtube Video in response to Model 700 Recall ...


Cause and Effect Youtube Video of the Remington Model 700 due to owner modification ...
Remington 700 Trigger - Creating a Negligent Discharge


IMPORTANT NOTE: Remington, like most firearm manufacturers will return the Rifle to you in factory specs (specifications). So if you have had any special work performed on the Rifle including 3rd party items such as having the stock painted, do not return it to Remington, take it to a qualified gunsmith for repair. Also remove any scope, or other attachment before returning the rifle to Remington.


Also see this related Topic Post at The Firearms Forum Site:
How to Clean the Remington Model 700 Rifle -
http://askafirearmsquestion.blogspot.com/2013/12/forum-question-cleaning-remington-model.html

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