There never was a safety issue with the rifles. People just don't know how to properly handle a firearm. That was the only safety issue that ever existed.
This is no different than the old model single action Rugers. Changes were made so dough heads would be less likely to kill themselves or somebody else.
As relates to item above: NOTE: THIS OFFER IS VALID ONLY THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2002 2003. (Changed January 2003.) Remington offers modifications for some bolt-action rifles -- Remington Arms Company has announced a "safety modification program" to address a problem in bolt-action centerfire rifles manufactured prior to March 1982, in the wake of the shooting death of 9-year-old Gus Barber of Manhattan, Montana. He died when his mother, Barbara, released the safety on her Remington 700 to unload the gun. The modification will remove the bolt-lock mechanism from the rifle, which was not used on guns manufactured after 1982. This mechanism prevented rifles from being unloaded unless the manual safety is placed in the "F" or "Off" or "Fire" position. After the modification, rifles can be unloaded when they are in the "Safe" position. Remington will do the work for $20 plus shipping and handling. Guns will be returned with a $20 rebate coupon good toward the purchase of Remington brand safety products. Affected by the modification program are: Model 700, 600, 660, 40-X (made before March 1982), 721 and 722 rifles as well as the XP-100 pistol (made before February 1975). For further information visit Remington's website or call toll-free to 877-387-6691 with the serial number of your [Comment: I guess this is not a "recall" so Remington sees fit to charge users for the "safety modification." I do not feel a $20 product-limited rebate coupon is tantamount to refunding the cost. What this sounds like, to me, is Remington's method for providing a defense against future lawsuits by claiming the plaintiff did not take advantage of this offer. I would recommend, however, you have the modification performed if you own one or more of the affected models. In today's legal climate, you might find yourself held "negligent" by failing to do so. Matter-of-fact, Remington's "Important Safety Message" states, "If you own one of these rifles and want to participate in this safety program...." [Emphasis mine] That seems to infer the obligation is yours and, if the firearm is, in future, unsafe, the fault is yours. -- Ed]
