The nation's oldest gun maker has confirmed that it has reached a tentative agreement to replace what could amount to nearly 8 million triggers on its most popular rifle line.
Remington Outdoor Company said in a statement issued Dec. 6 that it would replace the so-called "Walker trigger" in a dozen variants of the Model 700 rifle at the customer's request.
"This economic settlement provides an avenue for consumers, who have certain Remington rifles, to voluntarily have a new trigger installed," Remington said. "Remington is issuing this press release today because it is important that the terms of the proposed economic settlement be accurately described, as Remington does not want its customers to be confused or misled."
In a sharply-worded statement issued earlier in the day, attorneys representing the plaintiffs in a law suit against Remington claiming faulty triggers said the proposal is not a "recall" and that it does not represent an admission that there's anything wrong with the Walker trigger.
"These settlements are an opportunity for any concerned consumers who have the Remington Model 700, Seven, Sportsman 78, 673, 710, 715, 770, 600, 660, XP-100, 721, 722 and 725 rifles with either a Walker trigger mechanism, or a trigger mechanism which utilizes a 'trigger connector' to have Remington install a new trigger," the statement from plaintiff's attorney Lanier Law Firm said.
A news report from CNBC claimed Remington feared protracted litigation over allegations the Walker trigger would discharge in some cases without the user pulling the trigger.
"What CNBC put out is completely incorrect," said Remington Outdoor Company director of public affairs Teddy Novin.
The settlement agreement must be approved by a judge before rifle owners can take advantage of the replacement program.
CNBC — which aired a lengthy investigative report on trigger problems that they say contributed to several deaths and over 100 injuries — estimates the replacement program could include nearly 8 million rifles manufactured from as early as the 1960s.
Remington claims CNBC falsely reported the settlement agreement as a recall and stands by its iconic rifle.
"Contrary to CNBC’s story, it is undisputed that the Remington Model 700 is the best-selling American-made, bolt-action rifle of all time," the statement said "The Model 700 has also been and continues to be the tactical sniper rifle of choice for the U.S. armed forces and special operators and is widely used by state and federal law enforcement agencies."
