Original; see modified release: Gun Locks Recalled by Master Lock

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

This is the original of a document that has been modified. To see the modified version, click here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2000
Release # 00-149

Master Lock Recall Hotline: (800) 944-1380
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
Company Media Contact: Wendi Kopsick/Mark Semer, (212) 521-4800

CPSC, Master Lock Co. Announce Recall to Replace Gun Locks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Master Lock Co., of Milwaukee, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 752,000 gun locks and providing free replacements to consumers. Due to a manufacturing discrepancy, the two halves of some gun locks can be manually separated without a key, giving children and others unauthorized access to a firearm.

Master Lock reports it has not received any consumer reports of locks being disabled as a result of this discrepancy. This recall is being conducted by Master Lock to prevent the possibility of injury.

The locks being recalled are keyed, trigger gun locks sold separately or in combination with certain Smith & Wesson and Walther handguns. The recalled gun locks were available for sale after June 20, 1999, and are either black or blue metal. Each half of the lock surrounds the trigger with a 1-inch locking post connecting them. The words, "Master Lock Tough Under Fire" are imprinted on the lock's black rubber pad. Affixed to the lock is a yellow sticker which reads, "Warning! Do Not Use On A Loaded Gun!" Master Lock brand gun locks sold separately were packaged with a green and black cardboard display card and with instruction sheets inside the package. Smith & Wesson gun locks were sold under its own name, and were packaged with blue display cards and instruction sheets inside the package. Model numbers found on the instruction sheets or packaging are 90, 90DSPT, 90KADSPT, 90TSPT, 90DS&W, 90KADS&W or 90TS&W. The words, "Made to exclusive Master Lock specifications in China" are on the back of the packaging.

Stores, such as Walmart, Kmart, Gander Mountain and Sports Authority, sold the gun locks nationwide between June 1999 and July 2000 for between $8 and $12.

Consumers should stop using the recalled locks immediately and call Master Lock at (800) 944-1380 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement lock. As always, consumers are reminded not to use gun locks on loaded guns. Until the replacement lock is received, consumers should not use the recalled gun locks. Master Lock urges consumers to comply with all state and local laws requiring the use of gun locking devices. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.masterlock.com/recall.html.

No other Master Lock gun locks are being recalled. Specifically, Master Lock trigger gun locks which were sold before June 20, 1999, (features to look for include: locks which were not sold with a yellow warning sticker or which state either "Milwaukee, Wis. U.S.A." on the rubber pad or "Made in U.S.A." on the packaging or the instruction sheets) or which have a locking post which measures over 1 1/4 inches in length are not included in this recall. Similarly, Master Lock cable gun locks or gun locks which lock with a combination rather than a key are not subject to this recall.