**Updated 21/03/2019**
As of today, the tempory ban has been lifted. We have consulted with The Proof House, Smith & Wesson and the UK importer Sportsman Gun Centre and measuring tools will be available in the UK with authorised agents performing the check.
Any Firearm is a mechanical working item and will require service/inspection, and the onus is on the owner to satisfy themselves that the firearm is in a serviceable condition.
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Following a Safety Alert on a particular popular firearm, that being all Smith & Wesson M&P15/22 firearms manufactured before 1st Feb 2019.
THIS TEMPORARY BAN IS NOW IN EFFECT – NO EXCEPTIONS!
This results from the Smith & Wesson Company issuing a Consumer Safety Alert: –
https://www.smith-wesson.com/mp15-22-consumer-safety-alert
This link also has a Serial Number Verification Tool at the bottom of the page so if this Safety Alert involves you please use this tool in the first instance.
This is what it states: –
IMPORTANT! M&P15-22 CONSUMER SAFETY ALERT AND INSPECTION PROCEDURE
DESCRIPTION – Please Read This If You Have A M&P15-22 Rimfire Firearm.
PRODUCT AFFECTED:
ALL models of M&P15-22 rifles and pistols manufactured before February 1, 2019.
STOP USING YOUR M&P15-22 UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND YOUR BOLT REPLACED (IF NECESSARY).
Smith & Wesson has identified two M&P15-22 firearms from recent production on which the breech face counter bore depth was not within manufacturing specification. In those firearms, the lack of depth may allow the bolt, upon closing, to crush the rim of the case, causing the round to fire, cycling the bolt, and potentially resulting in multiple discharges without depressing the trigger. This issue can occur in the following two scenarios:
1) With a loaded magazine in the firearm and the bolt locked to the rear, depressing the bolt release to allow the bolt to drop freely may ignite the round as the bolt closes without engaging the trigger and with the safety selector in either the safe or the fire position, and may also result in multiple discharges.
2) With a loaded magazine in the firearm, bolt in the closed position and a round in the chamber and the safety selector in the fire position, depressing the trigger will cause the round to fire normally, however as the bolt cycles, the next round may be ignited by the bolt crushing the rim of the case as it closes, causing multiple discharges.
We believe that these are isolated incidents, however, any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury. Therefore, we have developed this inspection procedure to ensure that all products in the field are safe to use. We are asking customers to perform the following procedure and to refrain from using their M&P15-22 until the bolt has been inspected and replaced as necessary.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT INVOLVED:
The out of specification condition has been found only in bolts that were recently manufactured. While our investigation suggests that the incidents are isolated, we have established this inspection procedure as a precautionary matter to ensure that all M&P15-22 firearms in service meet our design specifications. We are asking consumers of all M&P15-22 firearms manufactured before February 1, 2019, to inspect their bolt for this condition.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
The bolt from your M&P15-22 must be inspected to determine whether it exhibits the condition identified in this notice. To determine whether your firearm is affected by this condition, please inspect your firearm by following the inspection instructions provided here.
The following link is a YouTube video issued by Smith & Wesson: –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJO0gJRmc_c&feature=youtu.be
What this means for the UKPSA.
UKPSA members in possession of any M&P15/22 firearms will not be permitted to un-box or use the firearm(s) at any club range/match until such time that the owner provides proof that their particular firearm has been inspected and cleared in accordance with the directions of this Smith & Wesson Safety Alert.
Smith & Wesson have offered the inspection tool free of charge although the online ordering system will not accept orders from outside the United States, therefore, I have just sent an email to MP15-22SafetyAlert@smith-wesson.comas mentioned at the bottom of the Smith & Wesson Alert querying how ‘we’ outside the US can rectify this problem.
If it is possible to acquire the ‘tool’ it will be available at the range in order that your individual M&P15/22 rifles can be inspected first hand and if safe that particular firearm will be noted as exempt from this Temporary Ban.
My apologies for taking this action but in respect of Health and Safety and especially in light of the actual defect and possible ability to fire one or more rounds, similar to a full auto firearm, it is the best course of action available for all concerned.
Kevin Strowger – Regional Director
