Thompson Center, one of the more well known makers of rifles specifically marketed for hunters and owned by Smith & Wesson, issued a recall notice for their Venture bolt action rifles made between August 1 and October 28 of this year. Venture rifles are marketed around the $500 mark and in competition with other “budget” bolt guns. Apparently these guns have had an “issue” with the sear, which typically translates from marketing speak as a problem where the gun may accidentally discharge without anyone pulling the trigger. Yep, bad news. Glad I went with the Weatherby for my project instead. Make the jump for the full recall notice and how to get your gun fixed.
[h/t Shooting Illustrated]
PRODUCT: Thompson Center Venture Rifle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD: During an internal technical review, Smith & Wesson determined that some of the sears used on Venture rifles produced from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011, may not have been manufactured to specification. Because the sear is an important part of the firing mechanism, we are asking that all of the rifles produced during this time period be returned to Smith & Wesson so that the firearm can be inspected by our technicians to ensure that the rifle operates in a safe and appropriate manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED: This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011. To determine if your rifle is affected, please reference the serial number list located at www.smith-wesson.com/venturerecall or by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356. If your serial number does not fall within the list of affected serial numbers, your rifle is not part of this recall.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR RIFLE. Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury, and we ask that you stop using your rifle until we have an opportunity to inspect the sear to make certain that there is no condition which will allow the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled. To facilitate the inspection and repair, if necessary, of your rifle sear, please contact Smith & Wesson’s customer service department to receive instructions and a prepaid return label for the return of your rifle to Smith & Wesson. When you return your rifle to Smith & Wesson, be sure to attach the completed information card received from Smith & Wesson, so that your sear can be inspected and repaired, and returned to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.
VERIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION: When your rifle sear is returned, you should note a punch dot on the trigger assembly. This punch dot is confirmation that your sear has been inspected and the hazard has not been found or has been corrected.
CONSUMER CONTACT: Please contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356, or at [email protected] to arrange for the inspection and repair, if necessary, of your rifle.
Accidentally discharge without pulling the trigger? It has a mind of its own? It is an evil uncontrollable killing machine! And it’s black! Ban it! Ban it! Ban it!
And just to make sure there can never be anymore evil black sentient killing machines, ban all firearms! Ban them! Ban them! Ban them!
Hehehe:)
Just shot about 20 rounds through mine yesterday and there was no problem with it what so ever! Shot 10 rounds through it weeks before that and there was no broblems then eather!
I put 20 rounds through mine as well. I wonder how long it would take to fix the problem. Of course there would be a recall for my only rifle during deer season.
I was apprehensive about the recall myself, after all I received my Venture in .243 straight from the factory in June 2011. I was surprised to see this spring that there was a recall. I sent it in; they paid for full shipping. I got it back in a week. On a good day the gun shot a 1/3 of an inch groupings with Federal Power Shok 100 gr ammo (Walmart $15). And after I got it back, it has the same accuracy. I am not suggesting that their process would change the accuracy. But rather, the process takes about 4 days to a week to get the recall completed and its back in your safe a few days later–harmless really. I am glad I sent it in, peace of mind. It may be an entry-level firearm but it is extremely accurate and one of my favorites.
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