Defective Spear Guns Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 1) -- More than 1,800 underwater spear guns which can fire accidentally at users or bystanders are being recalled voluntarily by AMF, Inc., of Des Moines, Iowa. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. AMF, Inc., is a manufacturer and importer of recreational and sporting equipment.

A defect in the guns' "trigger shock-line retainers" can cause unintentional firing if the shock-lines are wrapped too tightly around the retainer, or if the taut lines and gun barrel are held together. (The "trigger shock-line retainer" is a small mechanism which holds the lines in place.)

The company has received four complaints involving unintentional firing of the weapons since July, 1979. No injuries have been reported.

The recall affects "AMF Mares Underwater Spear Guns" sold under the following brand names and model numbers:

Consumers should return the guns to the dealers from whom they were purchased for free modification.

Anyone requiring additional information about this recall should place a collect call to Sea Quest, Inc., Mares (a distributor of AMF Mares products in Solana Beach, California) at 714/481-8877.

Consumers may verify model numbers by contacting CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.