Reminder to Taurus pistol owners to file claim

The class action agreement over defective handguns by gun maker Taurus issued a reminder that the deadline to file a claim is approaching.

If owners want to trade in the infamous Taurus pistol for cash or have their gun repaired, they must file a claim by Feb. 6, according to last week’s announcement.

In exchange for the defective handgun, participants will receive up to $200 in cash. The other option is for an “enhanced warranty benefit” in which Taurus will inspect and repair the pistol for no cost and then continue to provide a lifetime warranty.

The company will cover shipping and handling costs, but asks class members to review state and federal regulations before shipping the materials. Detailed instructions are found on the settlement website.

The settlement website also clarifies that the time has passed for those wanting to exclude themselves from participating in the settlement, which would have opened up the possibility to file suit over the claims alleged in the case.

The lead plaintiff in the case, a sheriff’s deputy from Iowa, was injured when his Taurus pistol discharged when the handgun hit the ground after it fell out of its holster as he pursued a fleeing suspect. He never touched the trigger.

In 2016, a federal court approved the settlement agreement, which could cost the company up to $239 million. A range of Taurus pistols contain an alleged defect that allows the gun to discharge if dropped.

Taurus pistols subject to the defects include the Millennium, Millennium Pro, Millennium Pro Compact, Millennium Pro Sub-Compact, 24/7, and others.

A federal court will hold an status conference on Jan. 17 for attorneys representing both the class and the company.