PRODUCT RECALL: Element II, 12-Gauge Shotguns

If your shotgun serial number falls within the ranges below, stop using the shotgun immediately until the bolt has been replaced.

This notice applies only to Element II 12-Gauge shotguns with serial numbers listed below.

WARNING: If the serial number on your Element II shotgun falls within the serial number range provided below, Weatherby advises you to stop using your shotgun immediately until the bolt has been replaced. IF THE BOLT IS NOT REPLACED AND USE OF THE SHOTGUN CONTINUES, PRODUCT DAMAGE, AND/OR SEVERE BODILY INJURY MAY OCCUR.

Affected Serial Number Ranges

Element II, 12-Gauge, shotguns with serial numbers between:

Serial numbers are located on the receiver of the shotgun.

TR7825-RL000001 – TR7825-RL001260
TR7825-RL002762 – TR7825-RL004926
TR7825-RL007849 – TR7825-RL007850
TR7825-RL007854
TR7825-RL008455 – TR7825-RL008954
TR7825-RL009055 – TR7825-RL009103
TR7825-RL010005 – TR7825-RL010104
TR7825-RL012271 – TR7825-RL012521
TR7825-RL012571 – TR7825-RL012870
TR7825-RL013171 – TR7825-RL013770
TR7825-RL015522 – TR7825-RL016120
TR7825-RL016521
TR7825-RL016523
TR7825-RL017024 – TR7825-RL017223
TR7825-RL017225 – TR7825-RL017273
TR7825-RL019401 – TR7825-RL019500

Description of the Hazard

Weatherby’s Element II, 12-Gauge, shotguns within the serial number ranges provided above have been identified as having bolts that were improperly heat treated and, accordingly, do not conform to Weatherby’s specifications.

Remedy / Action to Be Taken

Due to the heat treatment process of the bolts not conforming to Weatherby’s specifications, Weatherby is offering to send, at no cost to the customer, a replacement BOLT HEAD as well as instructions on how to complete the replacement. Alternatively, you may send your shotgun BOLT ASSEMBLY directly to Weatherby and Weatherby will replace the BOLT HEAD and return your BOLT ASSEMBLY to you as quickly and efficiently as possible with all shipping and repair costs covered by Weatherby.

Consumer Contact

To contact Weatherby regarding replacing the BOLT HEAD of your Element II shotgun, please either (a) fill out the below Remedy Request form, (b) call us at 307-675-7840 or (c) email us at consumerservices@weatherby.com.

Bolt Disassembly & Reassembly Instructions

Use the steps below to disassemble and reassemble the Element II bolt for cleaning and bolt head replacement.

Element 2 Bolt Disassembly Instructions

Remove the bolt assembly from the shotgun. See shotgun disassembly instructions found in your manual.
With the bolt assembly in your left hand, cover the firing pin with your left thumb.
With your left thumb covering the firing pin, pull out the firing pin retaining pin from the bolt assembly.
Note: The firing pin is under spring tension and failure to press down on the firing pin while removing could result in loss of parts.
Slowly raise the thumb that is covering the firing pin, releasing the spring tension. Remove the firing pin from the bolt assembly and set aside.
With the firing pin removed, you may now remove the bolt head pin. In most cases, by turning the bolt assembly upside down the bolt head pin will fall out on its own.
Remove the bolt head from the bolt body. DISCARD THIS PART.
Tipping the bolt body forward, remove the inertia spring.
No further disassembly required for cleaning.

Element 2 Bolt Reassembly Instructions

To reassemble the bolt assembly, insert the inertia spring into the bolt body.
Insert the NEW BOLT HEAD into the bolt body, with the extractor facing the right-hand side of the bolt.
Insert the bolt head pin into the bolt head, with the machined line facing upwards. Orient the line so that it points front to back on the bolt body.
With the firing pin spring on the firing pin, insert the firing pin into the bolt body.
Note: There is a flat spot on the back of the firing pin. This flat spot should be facing downward.
While pushing the firing pin into the bolt body, insert the firing pin retaining pin into its spot on the right-hand side of the bolt body.

If you encounter resistance during reassembly, stop and re-check orientation of the bolt head pin and firing pin (flat spot facing down). Please read all steps before beginning disassembly.