Mares Spear Guns (Frontiersman) – Potential Safety Risk (1979)
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
AMF Mares Californian Underwater Spear Guns
Brand
Frontiersman
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Frontiersman is recalling AMF Mares Californian Underwater Spear Guns. The hazard is: Laceration. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
Spear Guns Recalled by AMF NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 1979 Release # 79-055 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: Model Numbers Brand Names 5300 Long Tom 6334108 Supersten 5302 Sharp Shooter 5304 Californian 5306 Frontiersman 5308 Shortie 5310 Snub Nose 6333503 Competizione 6334009 Sten 6333008 Medisten 6331006 Ministen 6330005 Miniministen 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.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Laceration
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026