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Gun Reports - News

This recall applies only to Venture rifles manufactured from August 1, 2011 to October 28, 2011.

Smith & Wesson Issues Recall Notice
for Thompson Center Venture Rifle

(GunReports.com) -- 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, the company is 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.

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.

Smith & Wesson requests ask that owners of these products stop using the rifles until the company has an opportunity to inspect the 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.

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.

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Reader Comments

Well, I'm sorry that it had to happen to such a venerated company, but what great product management! The company itself actually found a POTENTIAL source of a problem - no mention of any defect claims yet - and took steps to recall any affected product. Wouldn't it be nice if auto companies recalled cars for component defects BEFORE anyone got killed by their vehicles?

Good Job, S&W!

Comment by: david b | November 10, 2011

Actually, Smith & Wesson has a pretty good track record for catching problems before they get to be big problems. I recall back in the 1980s I purchased a Smith & Wesson M-659 pistol, and about a year later I received a mailing from them concerning a potential problem. My piece was not among the serial numbers listed as having a defect, but I thought it was pretty good that S&W acted proactively.

This experience came with mixed thoughts on my part, though. It made me wonder whether sending in product registrations to firearms manufacturers might be somewhat of a two edged sword. In a manner of speaking, it does amount to de facto registration of a firearm to a particular owner.....if the government storm troopers ever got desperate enough to raid the manufacturers for the ownership records of their products. Perhaps I am making too much of it, but it does give one pause, even though the FFL dealers also have the ATF Forms 4473 on purchases made through them.

Comment by: canovack | November 10, 2011

At least one major manufacturer has told me the "registrations" are marketing tools, and have little effect on warranty service. No, I can't remember for sure who said that....

Comment by: PVB | November 17, 2011