Gordon
Member
Initial follow-up shotgun barrel explosion - Colonial NHP (11-14-08)
What we currently know:
On 11/4/08 the barrel of a National Park Service (NPS) issued Remington Model 870 12-guage shotgun exploded during firearms training causing a laceration to the hand of the Ranger firing the shotgun. On 11/7/08 the initial report was posted on NPS website. (The original report is included at the end of this document).
The Ranger had attempted to fire his first round when the barrel exploded.
The ammunition used was Remington 12 gauge 00 Buck Disintegrator, LF129BF00 (Lead Free Frangible) from Lot # E20GA525.
An explosion occurred in the barrel in the vicinity of the front sight attachment to the barrel.
Initial inspection at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) revealed wadding from the shell remaining further down the barrel, past the explosion site. The wadding was removed by gentle tapping with a cleaning rod during forensic examination at FLETC. No pellets were in the barrel as submitted.
In 1995, there was a class action lawsuit against Remington claiming barrel steel formerly used in the several models of shotguns was not strong enough and the barrels would sometimes burst in normal use. Remington denied the claim. Before a trial in these matters (and therefore before any determination to the validity of the claims) a settlement was reached. Under the terms of the settlement Remington now makes barrels from a different type of steel which can withstand higher pressure, and voluntarily replaced barrels sent
to them. The shotgun barrel that exploded fell into the range of Model 870 shotguns in this lawsuit, which included Serial #s lower than B457166U. (Also included in this lawsuit was the Model 11-87 with Serial #s lower than PC495255).
The shotgun from this incident and ammunition from this lot number are currently at FLETC where the investigation is continuing to try to determine if this incident was related to the shotgun, the ammunition, or any combination of the two.
What NPS recommend:
For Remington shotguns: Although there was no manufacturers recall of the affected barrels, barrels with serial numbers lower than those in the lawsuit should be replaced. In 1997, the Court approved payments to more than 477,000 class members, who owned more than 750,000 eligible shotguns. It was paid out of a 31.5 million dollar fund established to meet current and future claims. The deadline for filing claims regarding the settlement was in 1996.
NPS is currently working with Remington to get replacement barrels at a reduced cost. Remington Model 870 shotguns with Serial #s lower than B457166U Remington Model 11-87 shotguns with Serial #s lower than PC495255 rifle sights or bead sights.
For all firearms: Although there is no NPS, or DOI manufacturer’s policy for firearm replacement based on age or use, firearms have a finite lifespan. Be aware of the age, and the number of rounds fired through your service firearm. Inspection by an armorer, currently trained on the specific weapon, at reasonable intervals is prudent.
Prior to any training or qualifications Firearms Instructors should inspect all firearms, as currently required in policy. These inspections should include, but not be limited to, barrel condition looking for imperfections both inside and outside the barrel including at soldered attachments (i.e. sights, barrel guide ring).
Prior to any training or qualifications Firearms Instructors should ensure the inside of the barrel is clean and free of obstructions, as should the individual Ranger as part of preparation for duty carry.
Clean your firearm regularly per manufacturer specifications.
If you have Remington Disintegrator 00 Buckshot from Lot # E20GA525 NPS recommend you use 00 Buckshot from
a different lot. FLETC continues to use this product on a daily basis without incident.
Store ammunition properly. Green ammo has a shorter shelf life and should be used within two years of manufacture.
Follow the Range Master’s instructions and follow all range safety rules.
Wear all required PPE.
If a firearm or ammunition functional issue occurs preserve the evidence and promptly report the incident to a person of authority based on your department policy and procedures so an investigation of the incident can be conducted. Prompt reporting will help stem the flow of misinformation and allow for an informed evaluation of the incident.
Initial report from Colonial National Historical Park
On 11/4/2008 during semi-annual firearms qualifications at the US Coast Guard Training Center range, Ranger Ken Doak was injured when his NPS issued Remington 870 shotgun barrel exploded during the qualification. Ranger Doak received a laceration to his left hand which was on the wood forearm of the pump action shotgun. The qualification course for shotguns had just started, Ranger Doak had attempted to fire his first round when the barrel exploded. The firing line was immediately made safe and all weapons checked and made safe. Rangers provided medical care to Ranger Doak for the laceration. Ranger Doak's weapon had been functioned check by
Ranger Officer Tillson prior to the qualifications, including a check of the barrel for an obstructions. The park was using Remington Disintegrator OO Buckshot, 2 3/4 inch length purchased from the FLETC approved list for Lead Free Frangible. The US Coast Guard Range Officer was contacted and responded to the scene. The Range Officer was also an armorer and inspected the barrel of the weapon along with Firearms Instructors Larry Smith and Tom Nash. This inspection revealed the OO buckshot pellets appeared to be fused together in the barrel, which created an obstruction in the barrel. The obstruction was just forward of the ejection port in the barrel. As a result the gases and pressure expanded in the barrel caused the barrel to explode. The target had a small tear in the target, where apparently the front plastic covering of the shell hit the target. The tear was not from the wadding in the shell. Ranger Doak received medical care for his injury, several stitches to close the wound. Follow-up investigation will be coordinated with FLETC to determine cause. Remington shotguns were purchased in 1991.
Jill R. Kinney
Firearms Program Manager / Armorer
National Park Service
