You really know how to pop a guys bubble!
Is this just hearsay or based on facts?
Sorry Dude! These are facts. It's not like every one they have made have blown up or anything. I seem to recall around four specific cases where this has happened. Like I said, have a look at that bolt and ask the question.
Some quotes:
"A total of 3 men have suffered extensive injury from the Mossberg 100 ATR (which is a bolt action rifle). The assembly pin (sometimes referred to as the bolt head pin or retaining pin) is breaking. The gun will then fire when the locking lugs are not locked causing the gun to blow a user's face off. This happened to two of the men --and both were airlifted to a local trauma center, and the third has injuries to his hand. I am set for trial in April in Tampa Florida. Any information/input would be welcomed. Over the last two years I have learned alot but am always trying to understand all this a little better."
"I have not spoken to anyone at Mossberg but I suspect the bolt handle sleeve is supposed to be soldered to the bolt body. I suspect those that failed were not or were poorly done. The design problem is that there is no back-up safety for a situation where the handle comes adrift and goes down without turning the bolt into battery. So, the problem is either due to poor QC, a poor design, or a combination of the two."
"One of the ATR guys who lost his face lives about 20 miles from me. I wouldn't shoot an ATR for any amount of money."
"Stupid maybe. Blind - not yet. I shot it yesterday and only had factory loads. Mounted a 2.5 x 8 Millett scope that I found on my shelves and shot Remington ammo. 100 yard range only with a good bench rest. 150 gr. CL 3/4" to 1" group for 3 shots. 130 gr. CL. 3 shots 3/4". Can't gripe about the accuracy. I see the small pin that hold the bolt together and I understand if it was broken or missing, it might be a big problem. It really does look like my Savage bolts. Shot it about 25 times. It shoots as good as some rifles that I own that cost ten times as much. You guys too good for a cheap rifle thread? I thought this was a place for discussion of things we like...rifles."
End of Quotes.
None of these comments are mine, and three to four accidents, considering the amount of rifles produced, is a very small amount indeed. I posted more to make you aware of the issues, and the potential of a failure. If it's your only rifle, and you have a crush on it, then shoot it. If not, I would try and return it for cash value, or sell it, and get something better. I'm not shy about my hatered for all things cheap, so please keep that in mind. There are better rifles, both new and used availible for little scratch. I'd would even go Salvage

before the Mossy, if those were my only two choices.
R.