Firearm Recalls/Safety Warnings

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Do not use the box until it has been replaced by Browning.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:

  1. Carry this pistol ONLY with the chamber empty.
  2. Never chamber a round until immediately before you are ready to fire.
  3. 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

 


This information is provided to promote the health and safety of Forensic Firearms Examiners. Every effort has been made to make this list as complete and accurate as possible. However, it is NOT all inclusive and all firearms safety rules should be followed when handling any firearm. This document does not represent the views/opinions of firearmsID.com, the FBI, Department of Justice or the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners and is a compilation of information provided by many sources. 

 

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