Remington came under fire when some of their rifles accidentally fired, even when no one pulled the trigger. This defect, present in rifles manufactured from 1948 through 2006, affected millions of firearms.
The main problem centered around the rifle’s trigger mechanism. The defect caused some rifles to fire without the trigger being pulled, leading to numerous injuries and deaths from accidental discharge.
After a class action lawsuit in 2014, Remington agreed to replace the triggers on millions of rifles. This recall included Model 700 rifles manufactured between May 1, 2006, to April 9, 2014.
While the Model 700 was the most widely known affected model, other Remington rifles used a similar trigger mechanism. That said, how do you know if your Remington rifle is defective?
Do not test the rifle yourself
If you suspect that your rifle is defective, do not try to confirm it yourself. Any accidental discharge can increase the risk of injury or death.
Handle your rifle with extreme caution. Here are several safety tips to keep in mind:
- Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
- Unload your rifle carefully
- Do not try to diagnose or repair the firearm yourself
- Never store or transport your rifle loaded
Also, make sure to store your rifle in a safe, secure place while taking your next steps.
Check your model
Remington issued a recall for Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers. To find out if your specific rifle is part of the recall, find your serial number on the barrel. Then, call Remington’s support team or visit their website to see if your rifle is affected.
Remington will inspect, clean, test and ship your rifle for free if it is part of the recall. When you get your rifle back, you should see a punch mark on the bolt release. This signifies that the company inspected and cleaned your firearm.
Have a professional inspect your rifle
Even if your rifle isn’t part of the official recall, consider having a professional inspect it. It is always better to err on the side of caution, especially if you have any doubts about your rifle’s safety.
Were you or a loved one injured by a defective rifle?
Gun-related accidents are undoubtedly devastating. They can injure, maim or kill unsuspecting individuals, even if they follow all the gun safety rules.
That said, you deserve compensation if you or a loved one were injured by a defective Remington rifle. Consider talking to an attorney who has experience in such cases. They can help you navigate your legal options and fight for your right to fair compensation.