Mishaps happen, and this time it's Smith & Wesson's turn to issue a consumer safety alert for their recently-introduced Response 9mm platform. Here's how they describe the hazard:
“Smith & Wesson has identified a condition where, if the bolt were to fail to fully close, and the trigger is pulled, an out of battery discharge may occur. An out of battery discharge could potentially rupture an unsupported case, venting gas through the magazine well and upper receiver, and possibly fracturing a portion of the receiver.”
As usual in these cases, the manufacture asks consumers to stop using the rifle immediately until it has been inspected and repaired as necessary.
Consumer safety alert: how to determine whether your Response rifle is affected
Although the problem has been observed in a very small number of products, “out of an abundance of caution” Smith & Wesson is asking consumers of all affected S&W Response Rifles manufactured before February 12, 2024 to return their rifle to S&W for inspection and repair for this condition.
Only Response rifles manufactured prior to February 12, 2024 are included in this Consumer Safety Alert. To determine whether your rifle was manufactured prior to February 12, 2024, you should see the Date of Manufacture (MMDDYY) on the label on the box received at the time of purchase of the rifle (see image).
You may also enter the serial number inscribed on your rifle on this webpage to determine whether it is included in this Consumer Safety Alert. After you have checked all of your serial numbers, you will be asked to complete a pre-paid return label request form to return your rifle to Smith & Wesson.
If your Response Rifle is included in this Consumer Safety Alert, the manufacturer will arrange for the return of your rifle to Smith & Wesson for inspection and repair. Your rifle will be repaired at no cost to you and will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible. All shipping and repair costs will be covered by Smith & Wesson.
The gun: Smith & Wesson Response
Featuring a simple blowback design and a rifle-length 16.25”/413 mm barrel, a 15”/381 mm forend with M-Lok slots at 3, 6 and 9 o'clock and a Picatinny rail on top, the Response is a fully customizable 9mm platform. A lot of accessorizing and sporting is possible thanks to its unique Flexmag magwell technology: the two-part lower allows you to use double stack magazines from different pistol platforms. (Click here to read our article and learn more on the Smith & Wesson Response.)
For more information please visit the Smith & Wesson website.
