Vern Evans
Academy Sports + Outdoors has recalled Redfield 12-gun and 18-gun fireproof safes. According to the company, the recall is due to a serious injury hazard and risk of death. While the language sounds alarming, the danger the company is referring to comes from a security deficiency, leaving your firearms at risk of unauthorized access.
On December 25, approximately 6100 safes among these two models were recalled because the mechanical internal locking plates were found prone to alignment failure, allowing unauthorized users to open the safes, generally placing others in danger if the firearms inside should find their way into the hands of a child or someone intent on criminal action.
The recall involves only the two models mentioned, both manufactured overseas in Vietnam. Both models affectedwere sold at Academy stores and online at academy.com between February and August 2024 and priced from $350 to $600. The 12-gun fireproof safe, measuring 53” high by 15” wide by 16” deep, is model number 179498, and the 18-gun fireproof safe, measuring 55” high by 18” wide by 18” deep, is model number 179499. The model name and serial number are located on a red label at the bottom right corner of the safe’s door, with “Redfield” printed on the door above the number pad.
The Texas-based company urges consumers to stop using the safes immediately and return them to any Academy Sports + Outdoors store for a free replacement or refund. Consumers are also encouraged to contact Academy’s customer care department to receive help arranging for a replacement or refund.
At this time, there have been no reported incidents, making the risk warning a cautionary rather than a reactionary measure. Academy carries additional Redfield safes in various capacities that were not affected by this manufacturing defect.
While the mention of serious injury or death sounds much more unnerving than the actual issue at hand, keeping your guns secure from children is a real concern, and nobody wants to see their collection go missing, so if you own either of these safes, please have it replaced as soon as possible.
To see more official information, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission webpage for the recall. Consumers may contact Academy Sports + Outdoors toll-free at 888-922-2336 from 7 AM to 10 PM. CST, or email them at [email protected]. You can see the recall on Academy’s website at www.academy.com/product-recalls.
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