CO2 Pistol Modification Announced By Smith & Wesson And Daisy

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts and Daisy Manufacturing Company, Rogers, Arkansas, today announced a voluntary retrofit program for 200,000 CO2 pellet pistols produced by them, to decrease the possibility of an accidental firing when the gun is dropped.

In order for a pistol to fire accidentally, it is necessary for it to be dropped so it lands precisely on both the front and rear sight simultaneously or on the rear of the barrel or grip with the muzzle up in certain attitudes. The companies have not received any reports on injuries from an accidental firing caused as a result of dropping the affected pistols.

Models of CO2 pistols affected include approximately 172,000 Smith & Wesson models 78G and 79G which are designed and manufactured by them for 1970 through 1980 and approximately 25,500 Daisy models 780 and 790 manufactured from 1980, when Daisy purchased the tooling from Smith & Wesson, through June of 1982. The pistols were distributed nationally and retail for approximately $60.00.

All Smith & Wesson model 78G and 79G require retrofit Daisy models 780 and 790 requiring retrofit have lot numbers beginning in C, F, G, L, LG, M, or Q. Pistols having the letter D on the butt of the grip frame do not require retrofit and should not be returned.

Daisy Manufacturing Company is handling all retrofits for affected pistols, whether they were manufactured by Daisy or Smith & Wesson. Owners of affected pistols are urged to return them to the Service Department, Daisy Manufacturing Company, 2111 South 8th Street, Rogers, Arkansas 72756, by United Parcel Service or Parcel Post. The normal UPS fee will be refunded.

Returned pistols should not contain CO2 cartridge since such mailings are not allowed under applicable regulations. The full name and street address of the sender should be included with the returned pistol since it cannot be returned to a post office address. Daisy will make the necessary retrofit and will return the pistol free of charge. Consumers should allow eight weeks for modifications to be completed and the pistol returned.

Consumers requiring additional information may call either Daisy Manufacturing Company or Smith & Wesson at the following numbers: Daisy - 501-636-1200: Smith & Wesson - 413-781-8300, Attention: Air Gun Service Department.

Further information can also be obtained by calling the Commission's toll free hotline at 800-638-CPSC.