Firearm Recalls/Safety Warnings

Firearm Recalls & Warnings Index


ACTION ARMS LTD.
UZI MODEL A,
9MM LUGER CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC CARBINE

Warning: The Action Arms Ltd. - UZI model A carbine differs from many other firearms in that under some circumstances, it can be fired with the bolt open or partially open by pulling the trigger.

Therefore, users should be careful to keep fingers clear of the trigger whenever:

  • Extracting a live cartridge from the chamber.
  • Checking an obstruction lodged in the chamber.
  • Looking into the ejection port area.
  • Opening or closing the bolt whenever there is a cartridge in the chamber or magazine.

Action Arms LTD.
4567 Bermuda
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 744-3400

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, July 1984; Volume 16, Number 3:19

 

AMERICAN FIREARMS MFG. CO.
MODEL STAINLESS STEEL O/U DERRINGER, 
38 SPECIAL CALIBER, PISTOL

 

Warning: During laboratory examination of one of this model derringer with serial number 24158, CARTRIDGES IN BOTH CHAMBERS DISCHARGED SIMULTANEOUSLY, when the firing pin selector was indexed to fire the cartridge in the top chamber. This dual discharge was also produced with primed cartridge cases.

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, October 1973; Volume 5, Number 5:36


ARMINIUS
MODEL HW3,
32 SMITH & WESSON CALIBER, REVOLVER

Warning: The Arminius, 32 Smith & Wesson caliber, model HW 3, revolver has the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE. The firing pin may protrude through the breech face. Revolvers of this model were found to lack a firing pin spring. Additionally, a device that, in theory, should serve the purpose of a hammerblock did not function as such consistently.

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, October 1993; Volume 25, Number 4:286-291

ASTRA,
MODEL CUB/M2000,
6.35MM/25 CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL

MANUFACTURED 1954 TO 1968

RECALL: If you own a small, pocket type, 25 caliber semiautomatic pistol marketed by Astra between 1954 and 1968, please take note. IT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. Recent studies show that if the gun is dropped or otherwise carelessly handled with a round in the chamber, it may go off -- this can be due in part to the type of firing mechanism that was used in those days.

ASTRA WILL UPDATE YOUR PISTOL FREE OF CHARGE. In order to substantially reduce the possibility of an accidental discharge, Astra will update your pistol with its current firing mechanism components. Just send your pistol -- pre-paid -- via UPS, along with your name and address to:

Walker Arms Company, Inc.
Hwy 80 West, Rt. 2 Box 73
Selma, AL 36701
(205) 872-6231

or

Walker Arms Company, Inc.
127 N. Main Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
(417) 781-6440

Your pistol will be serviced and returned to you as soon as possible, ALL FREE OF CHARGE. It is very important that this adjustment be made. So be sure that the chamber is empty before you carry it. And be sure you send us your pistol today!

Source:

  • American Rifleman, December 1984 page 26
  • American Rifleman, September 1985 page 18
  • California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 86-8

BAUER,
MODEL AUTOMATIC,
25 AUTO CALIBER, PISTOL

Warning: The Bauer, 25 Auto caliber, model Automatic, pistol may DISCHARGE WHEN DROPPED. A case was submitted to a laboratory where a ruptured cartridge case was identified as having been discharged while the slide was partially opened. Examination revealed when the pistol was dropped on the butt, the momentum allowed the slide to partially open as the firing pin was jarred off the sear as the pistol hit the ground.

Bauer/Fraser Firearms
34750 Klein Avenue
Fraser, MI 48026

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, January 1982; Volume 14, Number 1:62

BENELLI
MODEL M1 SUPER 90,
12 GAUGE, SEMIAUTOMATIC SHOTGUN

Warning: The Benelli, 12 gauge, model M1 Super 90, shotgun may have the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE. This semiautomatic shotgun has discharged while loading due to a protruding firing pin. This shotgun discharged a shotshell with the action partially open.

Benelli USA Corp.               
17603 Indian Head Highway
Accokeek, MD 20607-2501
(301) 286-6981

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, July 1990; Volume 22, Number 3:315-317
  • AFTE Journal, October 1991; Volume 23, Number 4:908-909


BERETTA
MODEL BM-59s, RIFLES
and

GARAND
MODEL M1As / M1A4s, M1 

RECALL: If you own an M14 type rifle, an M1 Garand type rifle, or Beretta BM-59 rifle, a certain quantity could contain safeties that can be disengaged by applying an abnormal amount of force to the trigger, thus overriding the safety. The guns will not fire when the safety is overridden in this manner, but they will fire when the trigger is released and pulled again under normal pressure.

If you possess a Springfield Armory, Inc. M1A, M1 Garand, or Beretta BM-59, you are urged to perform the following inspection procedure. (Note: before beginning, be sure to unload rifle and point muzzle in a safe direction.)

  1. Begin test procedure with safety in normal "off" position.
  2. Engage the safety.
  3. Using one or two hands, pull the trigger very hard, and then release it. Repeat this procedure several times.
  4. If at any time during this test procedure you detect any forward movement in the safety, remove only the trigger group and return it to Springfield Armory, Inc.

WARNING: If during the above test procedure the safety moves forward on your rifle, you are urged to remove only the trigger group and return it immediately to Springfield Armory using either of the following procedures:

  1. Write to Springfield Armory requesting special mailing label, shipping container, and return instructions. Write to:

    Springfield Armory, Inc.
    RE-1 420 West Main Street
    Geneseo, IL 61254

  2. Or, call Springfield Armory on this toll-free number and request return instructions: 1-800-223-5708. Illinois residents call collect: (309) 944-5631.

M1A Bolts
Some M1A bolts manufactured by Springfield Armory, Inc. might not function reliably. If you have a Springfield Armory M1A bolt with any of the following markings, contact Springfield Armory, Inc. as outlined in steps A or B above for replacement.

The bolts in question are marked as follows:

  • No numerical or alphabetical characteristics on either top or back of bolt (completely unmarked).
  • Any bolt with any numerical or alphabetical markings at all on the back of the bolt. 
  • Any bolt with the top marked "7790185" and with "SA RRR" centered below that number.
  • Any bolt with the top marked "790185" and with "SA" centered below that number.

Springfield Armory, Inc. regrets any inconvenience caused by the return of any firearm affected by this notice. Repairs will be completed in the shortest possible time, and all service, parts, and shipping costs will be the responsibility of Springfield Armory, Inc.

Source:

  • Guns & Ammo, December 1987; page 91
  • Guns & Ammo, March 1988; page 14
  • Shooting Times, January 1988; page 67
  • California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 88-1


BERSA
MODEL 86, .380 AUTO CALIBER, SEMIAUTOMATIC PISTOL

WARNING: During laboratory examination and test firing this pistol slide separated from the frame. Examination of the slide disclosed the lower forward muzzle portion had sheared off during test firing.

This pistol serial number was 246184 and was imported by C.M.I. of Miami, Florida.

Caution should be exercised and safety rules should always be followed whenever firing any firearm.
 

Source:

  • Connecticut State Police Laboratory, October 22, 2002
     

Added 5/25/03


BLASER
MODEL R93, RIFLES

RECALL: Blaser has been committed to designing and manufacturing the safest most reliable firearms in the world since 1963. In keeping with this commitment to our customers, Blaser is conducting a recall of its R93 rifles sold in the US.
What is the Problem?
The R93 trigger assembly uses stainless steel pins for corrosion resistance. We have learned that a small number of non-stainless steel pins were inadvertently used in some R93's. Note: the UIT, CISM, and LRS/LRS2 are not affected by this recall.
What could happen?
An accidental discharge from the off safe position may occur if an R93 with non-stainless steel pins is used and the pins have corroded due to moisture. In this situation, once the firing pin has been cocked (into the off-safe position), the rifle may discharge.

Warning:
Use of your R93 rifle may result in an accident severe injury or death to the user or bystanders.
Stop using your R93 immediately. Do not use your rifle until it has been inspected.
What should you do to ensure your safety?
Removal of the trigger housing and trigger subassembly for inspection is required. This inspection should only be made by SIGARMS Inc., Blaser's US representative, located in Exeter, New Hampshire. Call the recall hotline number below to coordinate the inspection of your R93 rifle: Please contact us toll-free at1-877-442-7671 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST).
What will we do for you?
Upon calling, we will inform you how to return your R93 and give you an estimated time frame for return. Once we have your rifle in our facility, we will conduct a complete inspection of your R93 and replace your pins if they are not made from stainless steel. We will also clean and ensure your R93 is ready for more adventures. Please do not contact the dealer where you purchased the R93, as we will serve you directly. We will return your serviced R93 to you along with an expression of our appreciation.

We recognize the inconvenience this situation causes our Blaser R93 customers and offer you our sincerest apologies. We are passionate about your safety and we are confident that you would expect nothing less from Blaser.

Source:

  • SIGARMS, Inc. Website, August 5, 2002

  • SIGARMS, Inc. Consumer Subscription E Mail Newsletter, Volume C2, Number 3:9

  • American Hunter, October 2002, page 20

  • American Rifleman, November 2002; page 89

  • Shooting Sports Retailer, September/October 2002, page 59

Added 5/25/03
Revised 5/25/03
 



BLASER
MODEL ULTIMATE, BOLT ACTION RIFLE - ALL CALIBERS
MODEL SR 830, BOLT ACTION RIFLES - ALL CALIBERS
MODEL SR 850, BOLT ACTION RIFLES - ALL CALIBERS
MODEL CAMEX BLASER, BOLT ACTION RIFLES - ALL CALIBERS

RECALL: The Blaser, bolt action rifle - models ULTIMATE, SR 830, SR 850 and CAMEX BLASER are the subject of a recall due to firing pins breaking. These rifles may have the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE while the bolt is closing.

Rifles with a new improved firing pin assembly will have a red dot on the right hand bolt rail.

Blaser Jagdwaffen
Dept. GA
1320 Lake Street
Ft. Worth, TX 76102
(817) 335-1634

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, January 1991; Volume 23, Number 1:507
  • Guns & Ammo, July 1990; page 32-32

BROWNING
A-BOLT RIFLES,
22 MAGNUM RIMFIRE CALIBER

RECALL: THIS RECALL IS FOR 22 MAGNUM RIMFIRE RIFLES ONLY (22 WMR caliber). 22 Long Rifle Rimfire A-Bolt models are not included in this recall.

During our continual and extensive shooting tests under laboratory conditions, we encountered a parts tolerance variation, which could cause an unsafe condition. This is due to the possibility that some guns may fire when the bolt is being closed.

DO NOT LOAD OR SHOOT YOUR 22 MAGNUM RIMFIRE A-BOLT RIFLE until it has been sent to us and the problem corrected. Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury or death to yourself or others.

If your rifle has the following inscription on the right side of the barrel, your rifle is included in this recall:

A-BOLT 22 MAGNUM 22 WIN MAG CALIBER ONLY

In all cases, the entire gun must be returned to Browning to make the correction.

Please call our 22 Magnum Recall Department at 1-800-727-4312.

When we receive your call we will verify that you own one of the recalled rifles, and you will be sent a special 22 Magnum Recall Kit to expedite the return and repair of your rifle.

We apologize for this inconvenience. There will be no charge for the repair of your rifle and all shipping costs will be prepaid or quickly reimbursed.

Source:

  • Shooting Times, September 1990; page 88
  • AFTE Journal, July 1990; Volume 22, Number 3:329
  • Guns & Ammo, August 1990; page ??


BROWNING
MODEL A-BOLT II STAINLESS,
300 REMINGTON ULTRA MAGNUM CALIBER RIFLES

RECALL: No attempt should be made to load or shoot a recalled Browning rifle.

Browning, model A-Bolt II Stainless, 300 Remington Ultra Magnum caliber Rifles with a ten digit serial number beginning with the number 0 are being recalled. Continual and extensive shooting tests have revealed a potential safety problem in this particular model of the A-Bolt rifle. Browning warns all owners of the A-Bolt II Stainless 300 Remington Ultra Magnum rifles to immediately discontinue any further shooting of these rifles and return the entire rifle as soon as possible to Browning at the address listed below.

Browning 1 (800) 727-4312
Attn: Dept. A-Bolt II
One Browning Place
Arnold, Missouri 63010

To verify if the rifle in question had been returned to the factory for the recall please call (800) 333-3288 and Browning will provide assistance.

Source:

  • Company Notice September, 2001
     

FN/BROWNING
MODEL HI-POWER, 9MM LUGER CALIBER, PISTOL

Warning: This make and model pistol may have the potential for UNINTENTIONAL DISCHARGE as the slide finishes closing without pulling the trigger.

With the manual thumb safety on safe, magazine inserted, and the firearm loaded and cocked, pulling the trigger will usually not discharge the firearm. However, pulling the trigger after performing the above operations will cause the trigger lever to contact the forward end of the sear lever. The sear lever then rotates about its pin, causing the rear end of the sear lever to push down on the sear, but not enough for disengagement from the hammer since the safety physically blocks its path. When the trigger is released the sear does not return to its full seated position at the cocking notch. The force now needed to disengage the sear from the hammer is less, due to the new position of the sear. Theoretically, the trigger pull is lowered and a jar to the firearm could disengage the sear from the hammer, possibly bypassing the half cock safety. The loading of a live round into the chamber and letting the slide close was enough force to cause a discharge without the trigger being pulled. 

Browning
1 Browning Place
Morgan, UT 84050
(801) 876-2711 or  (800) 727-4312

Source:

  • AFTE Journal, October 1996; Volume 28, Number 4:233-240

BROWNING
MODEL BLR, LONG ACTION, RIFLES

RECALL: Browning has identified a potential safety hazard on its BLR Long Action, and is recalling all of these rifles for repair. This recall does not include the Short Action BLR Rifle.

Long Action BLR owners should NOT load or shoot their rifles until they have been returned to Browning and the problem has been corrected. The problem is easily corrected but the affected rifles must be sent to Browning for the correction to be made.

The rifles in question have the following inscription on the right side of the barrel: Model 81L BLR followed by one of these calibers: CALIBER 270 WIN., 30-06, or 7MM REM. MAG.

To arrange shipping and service, call Browning’s service facility at (800) 727-4312. Browning pays the freight and provides the container.

Source: 

  • Shooting Industry, July 1991; page 1
  • Shooting Times, August 1991; page 8
  • Shooting Times, October 1991; page 106
  • AFTE Journal, July 1991; Volume 23, Number 3:802
  • American Rifleman, July 1991; page?

BROWNING
MODEL A-500, SHOTGUN

RECALL: Browning is recalling the trigger assemblies from all Browning A-500 shotguns. This is a new semiautomatic shotgun, which Browning introduced in 1987.

During extensive shooting tests under laboratory conditions, Browning encountered a parts breakage in the trigger assembly on the A-500. This failure could cause an unsafe condition if it were to occur.

As a precaution, Browning is replacing all trigger assemblies on all A-500 shotguns sold since its introduction. All A-500 shotguns, which contain the new replacement trigger assembly, can be identified by the letter H stamped on the bottom front of the trigger guard plate.

Therefore, if you own a Browning A-500 shotgun which does not have the letter H stamped on the bottom forward part of the trigger guard plate, your trigger assembly must be recalled.

DO NOT LOAD YOUR A-500 UNTIL A NEW TRIGGER ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED.

Please call our A-500 Recall Department at 1 (800) 322-4626. Missouri residents call collect at (314) 287-6800.

You will receive a special A-500 recall kit to expedite this modification of your A-500 shotgun.

We apologize for this inconvenience. There will be no charge for the replacement trigger assembly and you will be reimbursed for all your shipping costs.

Source:

  • American Rifleman, August 1988; page 80
  • California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 88-4

BROWNING
MODEL BELGIUM OVER and UNDER, SHOTGUNS

RECALL: A certain quantity of Belgian-made, single trigger, over and under shotguns and over and under Express Rifles contains a selector-safety that can be moved to the left or right while the selector-safety is in the forward, off-safe, fire position. It is sometimes possible for these specific guns to accidentally discharge upon opening the gun following a certain sequence of rather unnatural manipulations of the selector-safety.

This warning does NOT concern Browning Citori over and under shotguns.

If you possess a single trigger, Belgian-made, over and under of any gauge or caliber, regardless of when you may believe it was produced, you are urged to perform the below inspection sequence:

  1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
  2. Open the gun to make certain it is unloaded.
  3. Move the selector-safety to one side and then fully forward to the OFF SAFE (fire) position.
  4. With the selector-safety fully forward, attempt to move the selector-safety either straight to the left or to the right (barrel selection).

WARNING: If your selector-safety can be moved to the left or right while in the OFF SAFE (fire) position, you are urged to have your gun promptly modified by an authorized Browning Service Center or by Browning's Arnold Service Department.

For return instructions and a special expedite label please write to:

Browning Service Center
Department B-25
3005 Arnold Tenbrook Road
Arnold, Missouri 63010-9406

giving your name, address, phone number, firearm description and serial number. (The serial number is located under the top (opening) lever.)

Should you prefer to phone for return instructions, call toll free 1-800-237-3995.

Missouri residents call collect at (314) 287-6800.

We apologize for any inconvenience and will modify and return your gun in the shortest time possible. There will be no charge for this service, and we will reimburse you for your postage.

Source:

  • Guns & Ammo, March 1987; page 22
  • California Department of Justice Firearms Safety Note 87-1

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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