The July 12 article “Remington replacing some rifle triggers: Move part of settlement of class-action lawsuits filed in Wash., Missouri,” concerning the Remington model 700 rifle hit home. I purchased my 700 rifle in 1974 and have used it each year I have hunted.
In 2012, I was deer hunting and had an incident. At the conclusion of the hunt I began to unload. I had my right hand on the stock. With my left hand I moved my safety to fire, which you had to do unload the chamber, and I engaged the bolt to eject the round and the rifle fired. Talk about needing a clean pair of shorts.
Returning to Vancouver, I looked up the Model 700 history. I called their customer service and received authorization to send it in for modification. They installed a bolt safety modification. The rifle can be unloaded with the safety on.
To other owners of the Model 700 rifles, don’t be complacent, have the safety fixed. It cost me around $60. It can save a life.
