I don't know the details, but Remington paid out a fair chunk of money as a result of a class-action lawsuit over the Model 58, in 12-GAUGE ONLY. Your friend oughta check it out for specifics.
My 20-gauge Model 58 works great, but for one easily-cured flaw in all 58s: If you don't get the shell fully into the mag-tube when reloading, it can slip back and jam the gun.
As a field fix, carry a drift or an 8d nail and remove the trigger group, remove the shell and start over. As a permanent cure, cut a slot in the follower so you can poke the cartridge forward with a knife or screwdriver...
