Firearm Recalls &
Warnings Index
BROWNING
MODEL BUCK MARK,
22 CALIBER, PISTOL BOX
RECALL: Browning is recalling all Buck Mark 22
Pistol boxes sold between January of 1992 to present.
THIS RECALL IS FOR THE BOX ONLY. DO
NOT SEND YOUR BUCK MARK PISTOL. RETURN ONLY THE BOX FOR
REPLACEMENT.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR BUCK MARK 22 PISTOL
IN A BOX TO BE RECALLED.
NEVER PLACE ANY LOADED GUN IN ANY
CASE. THIS IS A BASIC RULE OF SAFETY.
Do not use the box until it has been
replaced by Browning. Failure to follow these instructions could
result in injury or death to yourself or others.
In all cases, only the original Buck
Mark box is to be returned. Please call our office and inform us
which box you own.
When we receive your call we will verify
and record which box you own. If you have a box to be recalled,
you will be sent a special Buck Mark Box Recall Kit to expedite
the return and replacement of your Buck Mark box.
We apologize for this inconvenience.
There will be no charge for the replacement and all shipping
costs will be prepaid by Browning.
Source:
- Guns & Ammo, July 1997; page 36
- Handguns, July 1997; page 20
- Shooting Times, August 1997;
page 57
BRYCO ARMS
MODEL 38,
380 AUTO CALIBER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL
WARNING: These pistols may create an
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION and a POTENTIAL FOR
SERIOUS INJURY by firing when dropped.
This model pistol trigger/disconnector
bar and sear level may have too small a gap between them such
that a sharp movement of the slide rearward could cause the
weapon to discharge without the trigger being pulled.
The discharge is created by the moving
slide impacting the disconnector and driving the trigger bar/disconnector
rearward into the cam lever before it can pivot downward and
out of alignment.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Winter, 2001;
Volume 33, Number 1:48-49
BRYCO ARMS
MODEL 59,
9MM LUGER CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL
WARNING: The Bryco Arms, model 59,
9mm Luger caliber, semiautomatic pistol is subject
to misfeeding and jamming during the loading of
cartridges into the chamber from the magazine. If
the primer of a cartridge comes in contact with
internal parts, such as the tip of the ejector, an
unintentional discharge may result. This occurs
while the port is open and without the trigger
being pulled. This situation is extremely
dangerous and could result in serious injury.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Summer
1999; Volume 31, Number 3:379-381
BRYCO ARMS
MODEL JENNINGS NINE,
9MM LUGER CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL
WARNING:
The Bryco Arms, model Jennings Nine,
9mm Luger caliber, semiautomatic pistol is subject to
accidental discharge. The pistol MAGAZINE SAFETY is
subject to FAILURE when the trigger is pulled and the
magazine release button is depressed simultaneously. When this
occurs the pistol will fire even though the magazine has been
removed from the pistol.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Summer 1999;
Volume 31, Number 3:379-381
BRYCO ARMS
Model Jennings Nine,
9mm LUGER caliber Semiautomatic Pistol
WARNING:
These pistols may create an EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS CONDITION and a POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY
by firing without pulling the trigger.
During the testing of a Bryco Arms,
Jennings Nine pistol by a forensic firearms examiner it was
noted that it would fire upon release of the thumb safety and
spontaneously fire in a FULL AUTO MODE on an inconsistent bases.
When loaded with the manual thumb safety in the “safe” position,
if the trigger of the submitted firearm has been pulled stiffly
a few times, the firearm will discharge when the thumb safety is
moved to the “fire” position.
Disassembly of the pistol revealed some
wear/damage to the sear which allows slight downward movement
when the trigger is pulled. It appears due to the wear/damage
the sear/striker engagement is reduced allowing the striker to
override the sear after the thumb safety is released.
MANUALLY UNLOADING THIS PISTOL MAY BE
VERY DANGEROUS SINCE IT COULD DISCHARGE DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Spring 2001; Volume
33, Number 2:145-147
- Illinois State Police Laboratory,
Springfield - Notice, December 7, 2000
CALICO
MODEL M-100 RIFLE/M-100P
PISTOL,
22 LONG RIFLE CALIBER
WARNING:
These make and model rifles/pistols may
have the potential for “SLAM FIRE” UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
The Calico M-100 and M-100P will
consistently SLAM FIRE when live cartridges are manually loaded
directly into the chamber and the bolt is allowed to go forward
under its own spring tension. At no time during this process
does the trigger need to be pulled for discharge. These SLAM
FIRES occur with the safety in the ON or OFF positions.
The SLAM FIRES described only occur when
a cartridge is placed directly into the chamber and the bolt
released forward under its own spring tension.
Calico Light Weapons Systems
1489 Greg Street
Sparks, NV 89431
(702) 358-6000
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Summer 1998; Volume
30, Number 3:527-530
CALICO INDUSTRIES
Model M-950,
9mm Luger caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol
WARNING:
These pistols may create an
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION and a POTENTIAL FOR
SERIOUS INJURY by firing without pulling the trigger.
During the testing of a Full Auto
Conversion of a Calico, M-950 Pistol by a forensic firearms
examiner it was noted that alteration of internal parts had
taken place. Testing of laboratory reference firearms that had
not been altered revealed a condition where these model
pistols will fire without a pull of the trigger.
In the unaltered pistols, during the
charging sequence (cocking the striker to chambering a
cartridge) there existed a point of demarcation in bolt travel
where a unique situation occurs. At that point the bolt is
retracted far enough to the rear to strip a cartridge from the
magazine, but not far enough to lock the striker and sear. If
the charging handle is released, the bolt will accelerate
forward under spring tension chambering and firing a
cartridge.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, Volume 29 Number
3, Summer, 1997:316
CHINESE, IMPORTED BY NAVY ARMS
MODEL SKS, SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLES,
WARNING:
We hereby provide written notice to
you that some Chinese SKS semiautomatic rifles may pose a
serious risk of bodily injury or death.
Some of these rifles may have a
manufacturing defect of the engaging surfaces in the
trigger-hammer-sear assembly, which can cause intermittent
failure of the sear to hold the hammer in a cocked position.
This condition can result in the unexpected firing as a round
is chambered, without pulling the trigger, or if the weapon is
jarred or dropped. This condition may also result in sudden
and unexpected automatic fire and loss of control of the
firing weapon.
Navy Arms Company strongly recommends
that owners of Chinese SKS rifles have their weapons inspected
for this defect by a competent and qualified gunsmith before
using the weapon.
If you own a Chinese SKS semiautomatic
rifle from Navy Arms Company and believe your weapon needs a
new sear, mail your sear with the serial number of your SKS to
us at the address below, and include a self-addressed
envelope. We will send you a free replacement sear.
When firing any semiautomatic weapon
for the first time, always follow these safety procedures:
Load two rounds into the magazine, and
in a stable shooting position, with the muzzle pointed down
range, pull the charging handle (or slide) back and let it fly
forward to chamber the first round. Do not ease the carrier or
the slide into battery. If the weapon fires, cease firing
immediately. If no firing occurs, aim the weapon down range
and pull the trigger. If both rounds fire with one pull of the
trigger, cease firing immediately. Take your weapon to the
gunsmith or the place of purchase for repair.
The safety procedures identified above
are from the Navy Arms Company Shooting Maintenance Manual
distributed to its SKS purchasers. For a free copy of the
manual, please send a self-addressed, stamped business-size
envelope with the serial number of your SKS.
Remember, always follow all firearms
safety practices.
Navy Arms Company, Inc.
689 Bergen Boulevard
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Source:
- American Rifleman, March 1993;
page 14
COBRAY/JERSEY ARMS WORKS
MODEL AVENGER COMMANDO,
45 AUTO CALIBER, PISTOL
WARNING:
This make and model pistol may have
the potential for
UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
When the safety is on and the bolt is
opened vigorously, the bolt can remain open with the sear NOT
engaged. Internally, the bottom of the sear and the slide have
been forced into hard contact causing enough friction to hold
the bolt in the open position. If this occurs and the pistol
is struck by another object, unintentional discharge could
occur.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, January 1990;
Volume 22, Number 1:43-46
COLT
MODEL JUNIOR COLT,
25 AUTO CALIBER, PISTOL
RECALL: It has come to our attention that some
of the small pocket automatic pistols marketed by Colt in 25
ACP between 1957 and 1973 (these have serial numbers ending in
CC or beginning with OD) are susceptible to accidental
discharge if improperly carried with a round in the chamber
and dropped or otherwise carelessly handled. This is because
of the type of firing mechanism in these pistols. Some of
these pistols were marked "Junior Colt/Cal. 25," others "Made
in Spain for Colt," and still others " Colt Automatic/Cal.
25."
COLT WILL MODIFY THE FIRING
MECHANISM OF THESE PISTOLS FREE OF CHARGE. This
modification will substantially reduce the possibility of
accidental discharge.
If you own one of these pistols,
please notify Colt in writing (see below) but do not return
the pistol at this time. You will be given further details and
instructions as to when and how to ship your firearm to Colt.
We will replace the firing pin and the firing pin spring, and
return the gun as promptly as possible.
Please do not delay in writing to us.
Meanwhile, carry your pistol only with an empty chamber.
Please send a postcard or note giving your name, address and
the serial number of your pistol to:
Colt Industries, Inc.
Firearms Division
P.O. Box 1868
Department RC 25
Hartford, CT 06101
Source:
- Law Enforcement Technology,
December 1984; page 29
COLT
380 AUTO CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL
RECALL: We are incorporating a safety
improvement on all Colt 380 semiautomatic pistols that we are
now manufacturing. We are offering this same opportunity to
all owners of Colt 380 semi-automatic pistols free of charge.
It has come to our attention that the
sear spring may be bent in some Colt 380 autos. Where this
occurs there is a possibility that the sear spring will become
unseated from the base of the receiver which could result in
accidental discharge.
To hold the sear spring in place, Colt
will send you a 380 Auto improvement kit, which includes a
spring clip and instructions for attaching the clip to the
sear spring. Once the spring clip is installed the sear spring
cannot come loose. This is a simple but effective safety
modification.
This important message applies to all
Colt 380 autos in the current series first introduced in 1982.
If a spring clip has already been installed, it will appear in
the magazine well as a yellow piece of metal attached to the
sear spring.
To obtain the spring clip we ask that
all owners of Colt 380 semiautomatic pistols contact us now by
calling our special toll-free number below, available Monday
through Friday between 8 AM and 5 PM, Eastern Time. Colt will
send you a spring clip and complete instructions for quick,
easy installation. There is no charge for this service. In the
meantime we urge that you do not use your Colt 380 auto until
you make this change.
Colt endeavors to manufacture firearms
of the highest quality. We also continue to serve our motto, A
tradition of safety.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-533-0380
Source:
- Law Enforcement Technology,
Jan/Feb 1988; page 7
- Law Enforcement Technology,
Mar/Apr 1988; page 72
- Guns & Ammo, April 1988; page 24
- Outdoor Life, June 1988; page 96
- American Rifleman, March 1988;
page 12
- California Department of Justice
Firearms Safety Note 88-2
COLT
MODEL ALL AMERICAN,
9MM LUGER CALIBER, PISTOL
RECALL: It has come to Colt’s attention that
All-American double action pistols with serial numbers:
Letter A prefix or suffix
RA01001 – RA01052
RK00001 – RK03000
RM01001 – RM01005
PF01005 – PF24248
MAY ACCIDENTALLY DISCHARGE IF
STRUCK OR DROPPED
A blow to the rear of the slide while
a round is in the chamber can cause the pistol to discharge.
The firing mechanism of these pistols will be modified free of
charge, and thereby reduce the possibility of accidental
discharge resulting from a blow.
MEANWHILE, ALL OWNERS AND SHOOTERS
OF THESE PISTOLS ARE CAUTIONED:
- Carry this pistol ONLY with the
chamber empty.
- Never chamber a round until
immediately before you are ready to fire.
- Always control your pistol so as to
prevent its being dropped or struck a blow, especially with
a round in the chamber.
If you own one or more of these
pistols write to Colt and give them your name, address and
pistol serial number of each All-American pistol you own. Send
all correspondence to:
Colt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 1868 Dept. RC2000
Hartford, CT 06144-1868
Please DO NOT SEND YOUR PISTOLS TO
COLT at this time. For further information you may call us
toll-free at 1-800-426-8001.
Source:
- Law Enforcement Technology,
April 1995; page 67
- Guns, May 1995; page 69
COLT
MODEL COMMANDER,
45 AUTO CALIBER, PISTOL
WARNING:
This make and model pistol may
have the potential for
UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
When the hammer is lowered to the
half cock position while a live cartridge is in the
chamber, the sear can come to rest on the edge of the half
cock safety notch. In this position, when the pistol is
jarred, the hammer can slip off the tip of the sear. This
will allow the hammer to fall causing an unintentional
discharge of the pistol.
Source:
- AFTE Journal, July 1977;
Volume 9, Number 2:179-180
COLT
MODEL CLR3064SRBL,
30-06 SPRINGFIELD CALIBER, LIGHT RIFLES
WARNING:
In some rifles, the firing pin may
fail to cock, and thus rest on the primer of a chambered
cartridge making an accidental drop and discharge
possible. Colt is requesting all gun dealers return this
model immediately. Colt further states other calibers of
the Light Rifle are not effected.
COLT: (800) 962-2658
Source:
- American Firearms,
November/December 2000; Volume 28, Number 11:12
- American Handgunner,
January/February 2001; page 114
- Colt Website, September 1,
2000
CONNECTICUT VALLEY ARMS
In-Line Muzzle loading Rifles
Manufactured in 1995 & 1996.
RECALL: These make and model rifles may
create EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS and a POTENTIAL
FOR SERIOUS INJURY when firing the rifle.
The recall is for barrel
replacement of the affected rifles. To identify the rifles
involved in the recall read the serial number on the
barrel opposite the side of the bolt. The last two digits
are 95 or 96.
Connecticut Valley Arms
5988 Peachtree Corners E.
Norcross, GA 30091
(800) 482-3470 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM EST
or (770) 449-4687
Source:
- Connecticut Valley Arms
Recall Notice, August 1997
- Shooting Industry, November
1997; page 10
- Connecticut Valley Arms
Recall Notice, August 2002
- North American Hunter,
August 2002, page 100
- North American Hunter,
April/May 2003
Revised 5/25/03
C.O.P.
MODEL “COP”,
357 MAGNUM CALIBER, 4 BARRELED PISTOL
WARNING:
This make and model pistol may
have the potential for
“SYMPATHETIC”, MULTIPLE CHAMBER, DISCHARGE and may
DISCHARGE WHEN DROPPED.
The C.O.P. pistol design did not
incorporate a Drop Safety until late 1982 or early 1983.
Pistols produced before this time-frame may be subject to
discharge if dropped. At approximately the same time an
internal design change was incorporated to prevent the
retaining plate from allowing a second firing pin from
coming in contact with a live cartridge not under the
hammer.
Bellmore Johnson Tool Company
445 Putnam Avenue
Hamden, CT
Source:
AFTE Journal, January 1982;
Volume 14, Number 1:44-47
AFTE Journal, October 1983;
Volume 15, Number 4:18
CROSMAN
MODEL 3100,
AIR RIFLE
RECALL: This make and model Air Rifle may
have the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE.
The Crosman, model 3100, Air Rifle
is being recalled. The notice states: “When cocked, rifle
could fire unexpectedly without the trigger being pulled,
even with the safety engaged.”
Crosman Airguns
Routes 5 & 20
East Bloomfield, NY 14443
(800) 836-3100 or (716) 657-6161
Source:
- AFTE Journal, October, 1990;
Volume 22, Number 4:452
- American Rifleman, June
1978; page 50
- Consumer Reports, November
1990; page 767
CZECH
MODEL 52,
7.62MM TOKAREV CALIBER, PISTOL
RECALL: Some CZ52 pistols (Cal. 7.62
Tokarev) distributed by Century International Arms,
identified with the marking "CAI ST.ALB VT" may have a
defective hammer drop safety. If your pistol does not have
an inspector's mark "Z" on the left rear side of the
trigger guard; your safety must be inspected to ensure
proper operation in order to avoid possible grave bodily
injury and/or property damage.
You must not use the specific
pistol until it has been properly inspected to ensure it
is working properly.
We will notify all of our
customers via certified U.S. mail with instructions for
returning their pistols.
We will inspect, repair and return
your pistol(s) at no cost to you.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Century International Arms
Dept. CZ52R
P.O. Box 714
St. Albans, VT 05478
(800) 527-1252
Source:
- Shotgun News, Unknown Issue
CZECH
MODEL 1952,
7.62 TOKAREV CALIBER, PISTOL
WARNING:
This make and model pistol may be prone to FIRING
PIN BREAKAGE.
Owners manual states, “If pistol is subjected to
repeated DRY FIRING the model 52 firing pin will break.”
Firing Pin Enterprises
P.O. Box 80696
Phoenix, AZ 85060-0696
Source:
- Czech CZ-52 Pistol Manual, 1996