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Product Recall Number: 79-037

Why was “Western Double-Barrel Cork Rifle” toy recalled?

According to CPSC staff, children run the risk of serious eye injuries if they remove the gun's muzzle and fire toward their faces, an action which could drive two interior metal rods into their eyes. These "pushrods," which serve to expel the cork from the toy, normally are protected from extending to their full 8-inch length by small plastic barriers. However, some barriers may be positioned improperly, allowing the metal rods to project completely when the trigger is pulled.

“Western Double-Barrel Cork Rifle” toy
Here's product recall specific data for “Western Double-Barrel Cork Rifle” toy.

  • Product Recall Number: 79-037

  • Product Safety Warning Number:

  • Date: 1979-08-08

  • Product Safety Warning Date:

  • Name Of Product: “Western Double-Barrel Cork Rifle” toy

  • Description: WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 9) -- The F. J. Strauss Company, Inc., an importer and distributor with headquarters in New York City, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,600 toy cork rifles because they may injure children's eyes. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to CPSC staff, children run the risk of serious eye injuries if they remove the gun's muzzle and fire toward their faces, an action which could drive two interior metal rods into their eyes. These "pushrods," which serve to expel the cork from the toy, normally are protected from extending to their full 8-inch length by small plastic barriers. However, some barriers may be positioned improperly, allowing the metal rods to project completely when the trigger is pulled. While F. J. Strauss never has received a complaint about the toy, CPSC received a report earlier this year that a 3-year-old boy suffered eye injuries from an identically constructed toy cork gun made by another manufacturer; all of these models have since been recalled. Strauss has told CPSC that other firms also have distributed identical toy guns. The cork guns have been marketed since 1977 in cardboard boxes which are labeled "F. J. Strauss Co., Inc., New York, New York, 10010." The cartons also are labeled with the trademark "Straco," and with "Western Double-Barrel Cork Rifle." They sold for approximately $1.99 at various retail outlets. Consumers should return the guns to the place of purchase for a full refund.

  • Hazard Description: According to CPSC staff, children run the risk of serious eye injuries if they remove the gun's muzzle and fire toward their faces, an action which could drive two interior metal rods into their eyes. These "pushrods," which serve to expel the cork from the toy, normally are protected from extending to their full 8-inch length by small plastic barriers. However, some barriers may be positioned improperly, allowing the metal rods to project completely when the trigger is pulled.

  • Consumer Action: None Listed

  • Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed

  • Remedy Type: Refund

  • Units: Approximately 3,600

  • Incidents: While F. J. Strauss never has received a complaint about the toy, CPSC received a report earlier this year that a 3-year-old boy suffered eye injuries from an identically constructed toy cork gun made by another manufacturer; all of these models have since been recalled.

  • Remedy: Consumers should return the guns to the place of purchase for a full refund.

  • Sold At: None Listed

  • Importers: None Listed

  • Manufacturers: None Listed

  • Distributors: None Listed

  • Manufactured In: None Listed

  • Custom Label: None Listed

  • Custom Field: None Listed