What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall affecting specific models of Redfield brand gun safes sold by Academy Sports + Outdoors. If you recently purchased or already own one of these heavy, dark gray steel storage units designed to hold firearms and valuables in your home, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this safety notice. The recall covers two distinct product lines: the Redfield 12-Gun Fireproof Safe and the Redfield 18-Gun Fireproof Safe. These are not small lockboxes; they are substantial pieces of furniture intended for serious home security, measuring significantly in size to accommodate long guns and other high-value items.
To help you identify exactly what is on your list, it is crucial to look at the physical labels and model numbers printed on the safes themselves. For the smaller unit, the Redfield 12-Gun Fireproof Safe, you are looking for model number 179498. This safe stands 53 inches high, with a width of 15 inches and a depth of 16 inches, providing a compact but secure footprint for up to twelve firearms. The larger unit, the Redfield 18-Gun Fireproof Safe, carries model number 179499. This version is slightly taller at 55 inches, with a wider base measuring 18 inches across and a depth of 18 inches, offering increased capacity for larger collections.
You can easily spot these safes by looking for the "Redfield" brand name printed clearly on the front door, positioned directly above the electronic number pad. However, the definitive proof of whether your safe is affected lies on a red label located at the bottom right corner of the safe door. This label contains both the model name and the serial number, which are critical for determining eligibility for the recall remedy. The serial numbers for the affected 12-Gun safes begin with G02B or G03B followed by eight additional digits. For the 18-Gun safes, the affected serial numbers start with G10A, G11A, G12A, G01B, or G02B, also followed by eight digits.
These products were sold exclusively through Academy Sports + Outdoors stores and their associated channels. The recall was announced on December 5, 2024, bringing this serious safety concern to public attention. While the CPSC records currently indicate that no incidents of injury or death have been reported related to these specific safes, the potential for unauthorized access due to mechanical failure is significant enough to warrant immediate action. If your safe matches the model numbers and serial number prefixes described above, it falls under this recall, regardless of when you bought it within the relevant sales period.
The hazard, explained
At the core of this recall is a critical failure within the mechanical locking system of the Redfield gun safes. These units are designed to be secure vaults for firearms and valuables, relying on a complex internal mechanism to keep the heavy steel door firmly shut until an authorized user enters the correct combination. Specifically, the issue lies with the "mechanical internal locking plates." In a properly functioning safe, these plates engage tightly with strike plates on the frame when you close the door, creating an interlocking barrier that prevents the door from being lifted or pried open. However, in the affected 12-Gun and 18-Gun Fireproof Safes, these internal locking plates can fail to align correctly.
When this alignment fails, the mechanical bond between the door and the frame is compromised. Essentially, the safe appears to be locked because the electronic keypad may still function or the handle might turn, but the physical bolts that should secure it are not engaging properly with their targets. This creates a deceptive sense of security. To an unauthorized user—whether it is a curious child, a burglar, or anyone else—the safe does not present the formidable resistance it should. Instead, the door can potentially be lifted off its hinges or pushed open with relatively little force, bypassing the electronic lock entirely.
This mechanical failure transforms the safe from a protective barrier into an unsecured cabinet. The hazard is not just about theft; it is about physical safety. When a firearm storage unit fails to contain its contents, guns that are intended to be inaccessible can become freely available. For households with children, this risk is particularly acute. Young children are naturally curious and may not recognize the danger of a loaded or unloaded firearm. If they can open the safe due to these misaligned plates, they gain direct access to weapons that could cause catastrophic injury or death.
Furthermore, the nature of gun safes involves heavy steel components. If a safe door is forced open improperly or if the internal mechanisms are stressed by repeated attempts to use a faulty lock, there is a risk of parts breaking or shifting unexpectedly. While the primary danger cited is the unauthorized access leading to firearm-related harm, the structural integrity of the locking system is also compromised. A safe that cannot hold its door closed under normal conditions cannot be trusted to protect valuable assets from fire, water damage, or theft either. The failure of these plates means the product no longer performs its fundamental safety function: keeping dangerous items contained.
It is important to understand that this is not a software glitch that can be fixed with a reset. Because the problem is mechanical—physical parts that are not lining up correctly—the issue persists regardless of how many times you enter the correct code. The safe will continue to appear locked while remaining vulnerable to opening. This discrepancy between appearance and reality is what makes the hazard so dangerous, as users may assume their firearms are secure when they are actually accessible to anyone who knows how to lift or push the door.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk in this recall consists of households that have purchased the Redfield 12-Gun or 18-Gun Fireproof Safes from Academy Sports + Outdoors for the purpose of storing firearms and other valuables. While the product is designed to provide security, the specific mechanical failure involved—where internal locking plates fail to align properly—creates a scenario where the safe can be opened by unauthorized users without proper authorization. This means that the individuals most vulnerable to harm are those living in homes where these safes are installed, particularly if they store loaded firearms inside them. The risk is not limited to the owner; it extends to anyone who might gain access to the contents of the safe due to this mechanical defect.
Certain demographics face heightened danger because of their relationship with the stored items and their physical ability to interact with or be harmed by them. Children are among the most vulnerable populations in this context. If a child is able to open the safe, either through curiosity or by accidentally triggering the mechanism due to the locking plate failure, they could access firearms that are intended to be inaccessible. Young children may not understand the lethal nature of guns, leading to tragic accidents involving injury or death. The seriousness of this hazard is underscored by the CPSC’s classification of the risk as potentially resulting in death, highlighting that the consequences of unauthorized access are not merely inconvenient but catastrophic.
Elderly individuals or those with physical limitations may also be at increased risk if they rely on the safe for secure storage and cannot easily manage or verify its security status. While the defect allows unauthorized entry, it does not necessarily mean the safe is always open; rather, it means that the assurance of security is compromised. For elderly users who may have difficulty physically securing the safe or monitoring its integrity regularly, the reliance on a faulty mechanism poses a silent threat. Additionally, guests, babysitters, or family members who are unaware of the recall and the potential for unauthorized access could inadvertently become victims if they are in the vicinity when the safe is compromised.
Furthermore, the risk extends to anyone who might be present in the home during an incident of unauthorized access. If a burglar or intruder can bypass the locking mechanism due to this defect, they could not only steal firearms but also use them to threaten the safety of the household members. The failure of the locking plates undermines the fundamental purpose of the safe—to keep dangerous items out of the wrong hands—making all occupants of the home potential victims of this mechanical failure. Therefore, the entire household unit is at risk until the defective safes are replaced or refunded.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Prioritizing your household safety begins with a careful and methodical inventory of your storage units. Because this recall involves specific models of Redfield safes sold exclusively through Academy Sports + Outdoors, you need to verify not just the brand name, but several distinct physical and numerical identifiers. The process is straightforward if you take your time and inspect the correct areas of the safe, as the manufacturer has placed crucial information in specific, accessible locations.
First, look at the front door of your safe. You should see the word "Redfield" printed clearly above the electronic number pad. This branding is a primary indicator that you may be dealing with one of the affected units. However, brand name alone is not enough to confirm a recall; you must identify the specific model type and dimensions. The recall targets two distinct sizes: the 12-Gun Fireproof Safe and the 18-Gun Fireproof Safe. Both are constructed from dark gray steel, designed for storing firearms and valuables. If your safe is a different color or brand, it is not part of this specific recall notice.
To confirm whether your specific unit is affected, you need to check the physical dimensions and the model numbers. The 12-Gun Fireproof Safe measures exactly 53 inches in height, 15 inches in width, and 16 inches in depth. Its corresponding model number is 179498. If you have the larger unit, the 18-Gun Fireproof Safe stands 55 inches high, with a width and depth of 18 inches each, and carries the model number 179499. Measuring your safe can provide immediate clarity on which category it falls into.
The most definitive way to verify if your safe is included in this recall is by locating the red label affixed to the bottom right corner of the safe door. This label contains both the model name and the serial number, which are critical for determining eligibility for a replacement or refund. The affected serial numbers follow specific prefixes. For the 12-Gun Fireproof Safe (Model 179498), look for serial numbers beginning with G02B or G03B. For the 18-Gun Fireproof Safe (Model 179499), the affected serial numbers begin with G10A, G11A, G12A, G01B, or G02B. If your serial number matches any of these prefixes, you must stop using the safe immediately. These units were sold in-store at Academy Sports + Outdoors locations, so if you purchased it online, verify the model and serial numbers against the list above to ensure compliance with this safety directive.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Redfield 12-Gun or 18-Gun Fireproof Safes from Academy Sports + Outdoors, your first and most critical action is to immediately stop using the safe for its intended purpose. This means taking all firearms and valuables out of the unit right away. The recall notice highlights a serious safety risk: the mechanical internal locking plates can fail to align properly, which may allow unauthorized individuals to open the safe. Because this defect poses a significant injury hazard and even a risk of death, you should not leave any items inside that require secure storage until you have resolved the issue. Treat this as an urgent matter for household safety, ensuring that your family and others do not have access to firearms through this compromised mechanism.
Once you have safely removed your belongings, you need to arrange for a remedy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Academy Sports + Outdoors are offering two clear options: a free replacement safe or a full refund. You can choose the path that best fits your needs, whether that is getting a new, compliant unit or recovering your money. To initiate either process, you have several convenient contact methods available to you. You may call Academy’s Customer Care toll-free at 888-922-2336. Their customer service representatives are available to assist you from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email them directly at customerservice@academy.com.
Alternatively, if you live near an Academy Sports + Outdoors location, you can take the recalled safe directly to any of their stores. This in-person option can be efficient for those who want immediate confirmation of the return and refund or replacement process. When you visit the store or speak with customer care, have your model number and serial number ready to ensure they can verify that your specific unit is part of this recall. The affected 12-Gun Fireproof Safes have model number 179498, while the 18-Gun Fireproof Safes have model number 179499. You can also find more detailed information and instructions online by visiting www.academy.com/product-recalls or by navigating to the "Product Recalls" section at the bottom of the main Academy website page. Following these steps promptly ensures that you eliminate the risk associated with the locking mechanism failure and secure a safe storage solution for your belongings.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your Redfield safe is part of this recall, the good news is that Academy Sports + Outdoors has established a straightforward and customer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. Because the defect involves the mechanical internal locking plates—a critical component for security and safety—the company is not offering a repair kit or a do-it-yourself fix. Instead, they are providing two clear paths forward: a full refund of your purchase price or a free replacement unit. This approach ensures that you are not left with a potentially unsafe product while waiting for parts, nor are you burdened with the cost of correcting a manufacturing defect that was not your fault.
Your first option is to return the safe to any Academy Sports + Outdoors store location. This in-person route is often the most convenient for many consumers because it allows you to handle the transaction immediately. You can take the entire unit, including any original packaging or accessories if you still have them, to the customer service desk at any participating store. The staff will process your return on the spot, issuing a refund to your original method of payment. If you prefer to avoid the physical logistics of transporting a large, heavy steel safe through a retail environment, you also have the option to contact Academy’s Customer Care team directly. They can arrange for a replacement or refund through their support channels, which may include coordinating shipping instructions if necessary.
To initiate this process via phone or email, you should reach out during their designated customer service hours. You can call their toll-free number at 888-922-2336 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Time. Alternatively, you may send an inquiry to customerservice@academy.com. For those who prefer digital management of their accounts, Academy also maintains a dedicated resource page for these issues. You can visit www.academy.com/product-recalls or navigate to the "Product Recalls" link located at the bottom of the main Academy website homepage. These online resources provide additional context and ensure you are following the official protocol set by the CPSC and the manufacturer.
When you contact them, it is helpful to have your model number and serial number ready, as these details confirm that your specific unit is covered under this recall. Remember, there is no fee for this service. The company has assumed full responsibility for the hazard, so you should not pay for shipping, restocking, or any other associated costs. Whether you choose a refund to get your money back or a replacement to keep using the brand, the goal is to restore your peace of mind regarding the security of your firearms and valuables.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall carries the specific warning of a "risk of death," it is never an exaggeration, even if no incidents have been officially reported yet. In this case, the danger lies in the silent failure of a mechanical component that serves as your primary barrier against unauthorized access. The Redfield 12- and 18-Gun Fireproof Safes from Academy Sports + Outdoors are designed to keep firearms secured inside, relying on internal locking plates to engage when the safe is closed. However, these particular units have a manufacturing defect where those plates can fail to align correctly. This means that despite the electronic keypad appearing locked and the door being shut, the mechanism holding it fast may not actually be engaged.
If you continue to use these safes without addressing the recall, you are operating under the false assumption that your firearms are secure. The real-world consequence of ignoring this defect is that the safe becomes effectively unlocked to anyone who knows how to manipulate the door. This creates a critical vulnerability in your home security. It allows unauthorized users—whether they are intruders, curious children, or individuals with malicious intent—to open the safe without triggering an alarm or breaking down a lock. The hazard is not that the safe will explode or catch fire; it is that it will fail to perform its single most important job: keeping dangerous weapons contained.
The potential for serious injury or death arises from the nature of the contents. These safes are intended for firearms, which are lethal instruments when handled by untrained or unauthorized persons. If a child gains access to these guns because the locking mechanism failed to align, the risk of accidental discharge or misuse is immediate and catastrophic. Similarly, if an intruder can bypass the lock silently and easily, they gain unrestricted access to weapons that could be used against you or your family during a home invasion. The absence of reported incidents so far is fortunate, but it does not mean the defect is harmless; it simply means that, up to this point, the failure has not resulted in documented harm. Relying on luck is not a safety strategy.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall leaves you without any recourse or protection from the manufacturer. By continuing to use a known defective product, you are assuming all liability for any resulting damages or injuries. The remedy offered—a free replacement or refund—is available only to those who act promptly. Once you ignore the warning, you continue to live with a compromised security system in your home, exposing yourself and your loved ones to preventable risks that could have been eliminated by simply returning the item. Do not wait for a tragedy to occur before taking action; the potential cost of inaction is far too high.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical mechanical failure in Redfield gun safes, the broader lesson applies to every homeowner who stores firearms or valuable items at home. Safety is rarely about a single product; it is about creating layers of protection that account for human error, mechanical wear, and unforeseen circumstances. When it comes to high-security storage for firearms, the primary goal is ensuring that authorized users can access their property when needed, while unauthorized individuals—particularly young children or intruders—are completely prevented from doing so. This requires a proactive approach to maintenance and verification that goes beyond simply locking the door.
First, never assume that a new safe remains secure forever without periodic checks. Mechanical components, such as locking plates, bolts, and hinges, are subject to metal fatigue, temperature changes, and humidity over time. Establish a routine, perhaps every six months, to test the integrity of your safe’s locking mechanism. Verify that the internal locking bars extend fully and engage smoothly with the frame. If you notice any sticking, grinding noises, or difficulty aligning the lock, do not wait for a failure to occur. Contact the manufacturer immediately for inspection or repair. Regular maintenance ensures that the safety features function exactly as designed when you need them most.
Secondly, consider the physical security of the safe itself. A secure lock is useless if the entire unit can be easily removed by an intruder. For heavy safes like the ones recalled, anchoring is often built-in, but it must be properly installed into a structural stud in your floor or wall. If you have recently moved or renovated your home, re-verify that your safe is firmly anchored. Additionally, keep the combination or key in a secure but accessible location known only to authorized adults. Avoid writing the code on a piece of paper taped to the safe, as this defeats the purpose of security entirely.
Finally, stay informed about safety recalls across all categories of home goods. The CPSC and other agencies issue recalls not just for firearms safes, but for furniture, appliances, and toys. Many people ignore recall notices due to inconvenience, but ignoring them can lead to serious injury or death. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or check their website regularly. When you purchase a new product, register it with the manufacturer so you receive direct notifications if a defect is discovered later. Being vigilant and proactive is the best way to protect your family’s safety in an unpredictable world.
- Test your locks monthly: Ensure bolts extend fully and the door seals tightly without forcing it.
- Anchoring matters: Verify that heavy safes are bolted to floor joists or wall studs, not just drywall.
- Register your products: Keep proof of purchase and registration confirmations for all high-value security items.
- Check CPSC alerts: Subscribe to recall notifications to stay ahead of potential safety issues in your home.