Flare Pistols?

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

JCooperfan1911

member
Joined
Oct 8, 2020
Messages
2,709
Has anyone owned a military style flare pistol?

I think I’d like one and it seems 26.5mm flares are fairly available, with many Czech, Polish, etc. guns for sale.

So I extend to the group, should I?
 
If the price is right, why not?
I have a 1976 Polish Radom flare gun that is really cool and definitely high quality. It came with a nice leather/canvas shoulder bag. All for $60 about 10 years ago.
I know the prices of these things now is way more.
I then bought a 410 shotshell insert for about another $60.
It's a pretty hefty gun, so recoil is not bad. I've only shot 410 buckshot out of it. One day (probably no time soon), I'd like to get some 45 Long Colt for it.
This gun is my "desk gun" kept ready to roll hidden inside my desk.
 
I think, for mine, to use regular marine flares, you need to buy an insert to fit them right. Or, if you can find them, you buy the right size.
 
The movies involving flare-guns that I saw as kid meant I had to have one the Very pistols. Very what pistol? Flare pistol invented by Lt. Edward Wilson Very, U.S.N.

My uncle told the story that my Dad brought a flare pistol back from the Pacific War, but tried firing shotgun shells in it and blew it up.
 
I have done more research and it appears the communists used these in the 50s and 60s to signal each other and coordinate attacks etc., not just for emergency signaling. They also used them to pop smoke and light up the battlezone at night. Cool!
 
I bought a flare pistol years ago for about $30 it looks like it is worth about $100 now. I also bought a 10 pack of every kind of flare they had at the time. I can't get the parachute flares light & deploy but they do fire, I was thinking maybe they need the longer tube of the flare rifle.
 
I know this site is all about firearms and flare guns are certainly interesting. For anyone that might actually need a flare in an emergency though - there’s far better gear available, and it’s head and shoulders better than those old guns (even when you can get ammo for them…).

For anyone wanting the best available flares, what you want are SOLAS flares (they’re what’s required for international ocean crossings). They’re not cheap and I pay between $65-75 for just one of the parachute flares and $10 each for the handheld version…

SOLAS flares are made by a few different companies and they’re far superior to 12ga or 25mm flares sold in most shops….
Since they expire in only four years I’ve bought quite a few of them over the years and use them up after they expire. In my opinion they’re twice as bright as ordinary road flares and you can fire off with either a para or a handheld in a driving rainstorm every time as long as they’re within service dates..
 
lemaymiami said:
I know this site is all about firearms and flare guns are certainly interesting. For anyone that might actually need a flare in an emergency though - there’s far better gear available, and it’s head and shoulders better than those old guns (even when you can get ammo for them…).

For anyone wanting the best available flares, what you want are SOLAS flares (they’re what’s required for international ocean crossings). They’re not cheap and I pay between $65-75 for just one of the parachute flares and $10 each for the handheld version…

SOLAS flares are made by a few different companies and they’re far superior to 12ga or 25mm flares sold in most shops….
Since they expire in only four years I’ve bought quite a few of them over the years and use them up after they expire. In my opinion they’re twice as bright as ordinary road flares and you can fire off with either a para or a handheld in a driving rainstorm every time as long as they’re within service dates..
Click to expand...
I was given a batch of older SOLAS handheld and parachute flares and they still work perfectly.

I keep some of the handhelds in my car and on my motorcycle and they are indeed bright. Also, they don't deteriorate externally like the normal consumer "dynamite" stick ones tend to do.

Care must be taken though, the parachute flares return to the ground still burning hot, and will probably start a fire if they land on a roof or in a flammable environment.
 
The Warsaw Pact guns in 26.5mm are usually well made. I bought several back when and a pile of the flares (Czech I think) when they were plentiful and cheap. Shoot off a few on 4th of July to test them. Good military grade flares. Can still find the flares at shows reasonably priced.

The guns have gone up a lot in recent years. That said, if you can find one reasonably with some flares I would get it. There are Hk clones out there which I would avoid.

Yes, they had many uses for the military aside from just destress signals.
 
BigAlShooter said:
I then bought a 410 shotshell insert for about another $60.
It's a pretty hefty gun, so recoil is not bad. I've only shot 410 buckshot out of it. One day (probably no time soon), I'd like to get some 45 Long Colt for it.
.
Click to expand...
Never, ever do this.:what: with just any old shotgun insert!!!

Handguns that fire .45 Colt/.410 shotshells (like Taurus Judge) will have a rifled barrel. If that barrel is smooth bore, ie not rifled, you have an Any Other Weapon.
If your insert IS RIFLED, it's legal.


If not rifled, it is a federal felony.



See: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/o...etter-flare-inserts-any-other-weapon/download
 
dogtown tom said:
Never, ever do this.:what: with just any old shotgun insert!!!

Handguns that fire .45 Colt/.410 shotshells (like Taurus Judge) will have a rifled barrel. If that barrel is smooth bore, ie not rifled, you have an Any Other Weapon.
If your insert IS RIFLED, it's legal.


If not rifled, it is a federal felony.



See: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/o...etter-flare-inserts-any-other-weapon/download
Click to expand...


It's a rifled barrel. You can buy one here:
https://www.mississippiautoarms.com/45-lc-410-shotgun-sub-caliber-device-flare-gun-insert
 
Bfh_auto said:
I guess I need to rain on this parade.
Can't you find a more cost effective way of lighting fields on fire;)

Just kidding I want one too.
Click to expand...

I live in the desert so not very many plants.

I’ve been looking and can’t find one that’s not terribly beat up. I’m going to place a WTB ad here.

EDIT: I just placed the ad.
 
Last edited:
Get the HK P2A1 if you can. MUCH lighter, and even when they are hard to find they are much more affordable 1970s HKs than anything else, are indeed awful nice bits of machinery, and also are Western. Why use a commie flare pistol if you don't have to.

Flares are a PITA to find, or expensive.

The AC Unity is a P2A1 clone, readily available for $200 or maybe less. Bosnia and Herzegovina, I believe currently or formerly HK licensees, so should be good to go.

The Polish Model 78 is also a P2A1 clone/license built version, a little closer (no checkering) but closer to $300 therefore.
 
shoobe01 said:
Get the HK P2A1 if you can. MUCH lighter, and even when they are hard to find they are much more affordable 1970s HKs than anything else, are indeed awful nice bits of machinery, and also are Western. Why use a commie flare pistol if you don't have to.

Flares are a PITA to find, or expensive.

The AC Unity is a P2A1 clone, readily available for $200 or maybe less. Bosnia and Herzegovina, I believe currently or formerly HK licensees, so should be good to go.

The Polish Model 78 is also a P2A1 clone/license built version, a little closer (no checkering) but closer to $300 therefore.
Click to expand...

I like commie stuff.
 
LEMAYMIAMI SAID,

I know this site is all about firearms and flare guns are certainly interesting. For anyone that might actually need a flare in an emergency though - there’s far better gear available...
Click to expand...

In that vein, if it's for emergencies, you might consider packing a mirror and a canned air horn.

Not necessarily "better," but at least like chicken soup for a cold: Can't do any harm, might do some good.

Terry, 230RN
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Panzerschwein
  • Locked
Milsurp Flare Guns?
Replies
16
Views
5K
GunnyUSMC
GunnyUSMC
X
  • Locked
26.5mm Flare gun question
Replies
2
Views
853
ilbob
ilbob
D
  • Locked
NFA Flare Gun
Replies
18
Views
4K
RyanM
R
S
  • Locked
22LR insert for flare pistol
Replies
4
Views
2K
Dr.Rob
Dr.Rob
The_Next_Generation
  • Locked
12ga shell in flare pistol, these guys did it...
Replies
12
Views
786
rbernie
rbernie
Back
Top