22LR insert for flare pistol

[scalper]

I have had a 26.5mm HK flare pistol for years with few uses and then I stumbled onto a special insert for shooting 22LR out of it. I just tested it out today and it works fantastic. No signs of stress after shooting 100 rounds out of it either.

Some guy on YouTube created his own insert which transformed his flare pistol into a 50 caliber muzzleloader. The insert was thick to protect the pistol from the pressure.

Has anyone else found any LEGITIMATE inserts that work? Please don't mention the 12 gauge inserts - these are not for 12 gauge shotshells. They are only for 12 gauge flares. Trying this would be dangerous.

However, I can vouch for the 22LR insert. Works great!!!!

 

[Oyeboten]

What a curious idea.


I imagine any number of smaller Calibre conversion units could be made for Flare Guns, allowing them to chamber and fire smaller Shot Shell or small to medium power Cartridge type Pistol or Revolver Ammunition.

I don't knowe if .410 Shotshell would be asking too much, or not...guess it would depend on the individual Flare Gun.


This might have been a nice thing to have for Life Boat Stores even: .44 Secial Shot Shell or Bullet Cartridges and a conversion 'Cartridge' to fire them.


This is the first I have heard of this, but, anyone with basic Machine Shop experience and care/attention to detail, could make a conversion
'Cartridge' unit ( would only need to be a one piece affair far as I imagine ) for chambering whatever they wanted within reason and or within what the nature of the Frame and or recoil shield area would safely handle.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Pretty sure most of these straddle the definition of 'legal'.

A muzzle loader for instance isn't a 'firearm' for sales purposes, but it is one when used in a crime.

Similarly a conversion sleeve for a flare gun might be legal in Nebraska but is still a zip gun in NYC.

I suspect the 22 cal insert would be a zip gun in many places. Caveat emptor.

OK I just read the legalize on this item (which includes a BATF letter) and while they are careful to state 'this might not be legal in your area' the impetus is on YOU to know the laws. From Buy Milsurp.com:

Please be aware that this product turns your flare gun into a firearm when inserted and all state and Federal laws must be followed. (flare gun and ammo are not included.)

Full text here:

http://www.buymilsurp.com/265mm-fla...4.html?zenid=ab112407e936ea504630cc6d4ecf12e4


ATF also says that centerfire conversions are AOW's if installed:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/guides/identification-of-nfa-firearms.html

Flare Launcher Inserts
Classification
Any Other Weapons, only when possessed with a flare launcher
Distinctive Characteristics
Generally made of metal

Special Note
25 mm 12 GA adapter is lawful unless modified

Rate of Transfer Tax
$200.00 if installed in a flare launcher (making of AOW)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[S.W.G.]

What if the insert is rifled? Wouldn't it just be a pistol, rather than an AOW?

 

[Dr.Rob]

Per that ruling if it's a centerfire cartridge it's an AOW.