-=> Quoting George Bynum to All on 06-02-96  21:06 <=-
 Re: Remington 12g barrel ??
 GB> I see a strange notice in the Sunday (June 2) USA Weekend section
 GB> of the newspaper ...
 GB> What's up with the settlement where owners of many Remington 12g
 GB> shotguns can get a few $$ if they own guns manufacturered between
 GB> 1960 and 1995?
 GB> It looks like someone has claimed that inappropriate steel was
 GB> used, and the barrel may burst;  rather than litigate, a settlement
 GB> was reached.
 GB> Is this a real problem?  What is the truth?  Is there any reason to
 GB> NOT submit the form if I have an affected gun?
Almost a year ago now, I received notice of the Garza case (since I live
in the district where the original case was filed, the western district
of Texas).
Apparently, Remington has used something called 1140M steel in many of
its 12 gauge shotgun barrels since 1960. According to the notice:
  ...
  14.  The Amended Complaint alleged that more than 10 million Shotguns
  manufactured since 1960 are defective and susceptible to cracking and
  bursting because the barrels of these shotguns are made of 1140M Steel.
  The Amended Complaint alleged that bursts have occured in normal use
  and have sometimes resulted in serious personal injury.
  ...
As usual, Remington has not agreed to any of the allegations by making
this settlement, they simply decided that an out of court settlement is
better than the bad publicity of a lengthy court trial (or so they say).
They say that recently manufactured shotguns use a different steel, so if
you have a (12 gauge) 870 with serial number B457166U or higher, an 1100
with R064388N or higher, or an 11-87 with PC495255 or higher, then that
gun is not eligible.
I have an 11-87 which is not excluded, but am not sure if I want to file
(as a matter of conscience). I dislike the way the court system is being
used these days; though the settlement has already been made (and thus
my participation or lack of will have no effect on Remington) I
compromise my principals if I accept.
I know, most people will say, "That's silly." Maybe it is, but it's my
decision.
Steve
... I'd rather hit with a .22 than miss with a .44!
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