The Remington Mohawk 600 and Model 600/660 Safety Recall: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Remington Mohawk 600 Safety Defect
If you own a Remington Mohawk 600, Model 600, or Model 660 rifle manufactured before February 1975, you may have a critical safety issue that’s been the subject of manufacturer recalls and legal action for decades. The issue is real and well-documented: under certain circumstances, the rifle could fire when the safety selector is switched from the safe position to the fire position, even without the trigger being pulled.
What Exactly Is the Problem?
The safety defect stems from the rifle’s trigger mechanism design. The interaction between the safety selector and trigger could be manipulated in a way that, when the safety is moved to the fire position, results in an unintended discharge. The root cause involves a small burr on the trigger itself or a poorly designed trigger connector that allows the safety mechanism to miss engaging the trigger properly. This is not a theoretical problem—there are documented cases of rifles firing when the safety was disengaged, sometimes with dangerous consequences.
Which Serial Numbers Are Affected?
The recall applies to rifles manufactured before February 1975. Specific serial number ranges include:
- Model 600: Serial numbers #0001 to #131,552
- Model 660: Serial numbers #0001 to #131,552
- Mohawk 600: Serial numbers #6,200,000 to #6,899,999
Rifles with a serial number prefix of the letter “A” did not have this safety issue. If your rifle’s serial number falls outside these ranges or was manufactured after February 1975, it should not be affected by this particular defect, though it’s always worth checking with the manufacturer.
How to Verify If Your Rifle Is Affected
To check whether your rifle needs attention, examine your rifle’s serial number and manufacture date. Rifles with earlier serial numbers in the ranges listed above, especially those manufactured in the 1960s and early 1970s, are most likely to be included in the recall. If you’re uncertain, contact Remington directly with your model number and serial number to confirm whether your specific rifle has been through the recall repair process.
The Fix: Trigger Assembly Replacement
Remington’s solution to this safety issue is straightforward: installation of a new trigger assembly. This modification corrects the interaction between the safety selector and the trigger mechanism, eliminating the risk of unintended discharge when the safety is moved to the fire position. The repair work is permanent and renders the rifle safe for use.
The Recall Process and Your Options
In response to the safety hazard, Remington has maintained a recall program for these rifles, originally announced in the late 1970s and continuing to the present day. Unlike some recalls that expire, this one has remained open indefinitely for owners who wish to address the defect.
If you own one of these rifles, you have several options. You can send the rifle to Remington for inspection and modification at no charge. The manufacturer will evaluate whether your specific rifle requires the trigger assembly replacement, perform any necessary work, and return the rifle to you. This service has been available for decades and continues to be offered free of charge.
Alternatively, if you prefer to have the work done locally, you can take your rifle to a qualified gunsmith who is familiar with this specific recall. Be sure to bring documentation about the recall to ensure the smith understands what needs to be corrected.
Why This Matters Today
These rifles are now 50+ years old in many cases, but they remain in use by hunters and sport shooters. The Mohawk 600 and Model 600/660 were popular, reliable rifles, and many owners have kept them in their collections. If you inherited one, purchased one at a gun show or private sale, or have had one in your safe for years, it’s worth taking five minutes to check the serial number and contact Remington if there’s any possibility it falls within the affected range.
This isn’t about panic or distrust in Remington—the company identified the issue, took responsibility, and has stood behind the recall for decades. It’s about being a responsible firearm owner. A simple trigger assembly replacement takes away any uncertainty and ensures your rifle is safe.
Getting Your Rifle Fixed
To arrange inspection and modification of your Remington Model 600, 660, or Mohawk 600, contact Remington customer service. Have your model number and serial number ready. They will advise you whether your specific rifle is included in the recall and can arrange for the work to be done at no cost to you. Many owners report the process is straightforward and turnaround is reasonable.
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