Remington Arms, the nation’s oldest continuous firearms manufacturer, has announced a major recall on one of the most iconic firearms ever made – the Model 700. The recall covers all Model 700 X-Mark Pro (XMP) triggers in rifles made from May 1, 2006 to April 9, 2014. The recall also covers Model 7 rifles with the XMP trigger system. The recall recognizes a growing concern that the rifle will unintentionally discharge without the trigger being depressed.
What seemed to start as an internet rumor, and something vehemently denied by Remington up until now, it appears there is in fact a manufacturing fault in the XMP triggers that could cause disastrous results. Remington has now acknowledged there could potentially be an excess compound in the trigger/safety mechanism from the manufacturing process. Though not officially stated, it seems this excess bonding agent can hinder the trigger’s ability to reset. Manipulating the bolt for another round, or simply flipping the safety to fire, could then result in the rifle firing.
It should be noted that ONLY the Model 700’s and Model 7’s with the XMP triggers manufactured during the recall period are affected. The vast majority of Model 700 rifles ARE NOT a part of the recall. Here is how to know if your rifle’s trigger may be a part of the recall:
The following information is directly from the Remington Recall Notice.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR RIFLE IS SUBJECT TO THE RECALL: Only Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers are being recalled. To determine if your rifle is subject to this recall, you should take the following steps:
- I. Find the rifle’s serial number where the barrel meets the receiver. SEE GRAPHIC A
a. For a right-handed rifle, the serial number is located on a user’s left.
b. For a left-handed rifle, the serial number is located on a user’s right.
- II. Identify the serial number and provide it to Remington’s recall support team, either by entering it at xmprecall.remington.com or call 1-800-243-9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #1) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. You will be informed if your rifle is affected by this recall and supported with free resources to return the rifle for inspection and specialized cleaning.
- III. You may also determine if your rifle is subject to the recall by a visual inspection.
1) If the face of the trigger is ribbed (see Photo (1) below), your rifle does not have an XMP trigger and is NOT subject to this recall.
2) If the face of the trigger is smooth (see Photo (2) below), your rifle has an XMP trigger and IS subject to this recall – in which case you should immediately seek further assistance at xmprecall.remington.com or by calling 1-800-243-9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #1) Monday through Friday, 9a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR RIFLE. Any unintended discharge has the potential to cause injury or death. Immediately cease use of recalled rifles and return them to Remington free of charge. Rifles will be inspected, specialty cleaned, tested, and returned as soon as possible, at no cost to you. DO NOT attempt to diagnose or repair recalled rifles.
To participate in the recall, please follow the instructions below:
STEP 1 Visit xmprecall.remington.com or call 1-800-243-9700 (Prompt #3 then Prompt #1) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. You will be asked to provide your name, address, telephone number, and rifle(s) serial number.
STEP 2 Upon receipt of the information requested in Step 1, Remington will send you pre-paid shipping tags, boxes and written instructions. Remington will cover all related shipping, inspection, and cleaning charges. Please ONLY return your rifle with the designated shipping tags and boxes, as they are marked to expedite the rifle to a dedicated Remington facility.
VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION: Upon return of your rifle, you will note a punch mark on the bolt release (see Photo 3 below). This mark confirms your rifle has been inspected and specialty cleaned under this recall program.
Remington has also corrected the XMP trigger assembly process to eliminate this problem in rifles made after April 9, 2014. Rifles made after April 9, 2014 will also have a punch mark on the bolt release.
Initially released in 1962, the Remington 700 quickly became a popular hunting rifle. The model 700 was originally built with high quality wood stocks, and presented a profile that would symbolize the best of bolt-action rifles. However, it was likely the quality of the Model 700 action and its superb accuracy out of the box that led millions of buyers to select this rifle over others.
Over more than 50 years the Model 700 has produced many variants with options in the make of the stock, barrel length and thickness, as well as a long list of popular calibers. The Remington 700 in one of its many configurations has also become one of the primary selections for sniper rifles among the U.S. military and U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The recent emergence of complaints on what many consider “America’s hunting rifle”, was only fueled by several YouTube videos showing the Remington 700 firing without the trigger being manipulated. This type of mechanical failure is very serious for any hunter or shooter, but could create catastrophic results for military or law enforcement snipers.
Please examine your Model 700’s and take the appropriate action.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
1. DO NOT ship your rifle with any ammunition – this could result in a violation of Federal law.
2. DO NOT allow your local armorer to perform this work. Remington has a strict policy concerning work to be done on their triggers, and have even inserted a marking element to identify any unauthorized entry into the mechanism. If this seal has been broken Remington will likely void any warranties for the rifle. All Remington trigger work must be performed at the factory.
The recall allows for free shipping, free inspection and repair, and free return shipping. Nobody likes to be away from their pride and joy, but Remington appears to be doing what it takes to make it right. Take advantage of their offer.