Winchester Repeating Arms began a recall of XPR rifles in October. The reason behind the recall is that manipulation of the safety can cause movement in the trigger itself. This movement, according to Winchester, could result in an unintended discharge. This is clearly a bad situation.

It is unclear if all XPR rifles, or only certain XPR rifles, will need retrofitting. Winchester states the problem is with “certain XPR rifles,” but later in the same article states “do not load or shoot any XPR rifle until it has been returned to our service center and received the retrofit.” (emphasis added) The company set up an online serial number check on this page (click here.)

To correct the problem, Winchester Repeating Arms will replace trigger group parts. The service is considered mandatory and will be done free of charge. The new XPR rifles coming from Winchester will already have the new trigger group parts installed. If you purchased a gun in the past two months, it is possible that you do not need a retrofit. Go to the above link and check your serial number.

Winchester initiated a recall on the SXP shotguns earlier this year. In this video, a round discharged from an SXP shotgun when it was chambered with the safety on. The video should be a real eye opener and serve as another reason why you always point firearms in safe directions – even when your finger is not on the trigger.