Civilian Legal Flashbangs (TAG FBG-6)

[Ethan Verity]

The TAG Innovations FBG-6 flashbang is not a true NFA classified destructive device level flashbang, however it still packs an impressive blast! These are designed for milsim/training/and airsoft, and are classified just as a firework. I stocked up on some to provide more home defense options, specifically for dropping down the laundry chute from upstairs if someone breaks into the basement, or out the window if someone is trying to break into the back door. Of course its very situation dependent on if these would be useful or not, but I like having the extra option. They are also just fun to set off on July 4th!

I 'banged' myself with one inside of my gerage, and it definitely gets the message across that you're in the wrong house! It's a beachball size fireball, and a 140db blast! Combined with the flying debris and smoke, and any would-be intruder who isn't actually looking for a fight will get the idea to leave. If they choose to keep advancing through the house towards my location, plan B is the rifle.

These work like true flashbangs, where the spoon releases a spring loaded striker that hits a percussion cap, and lights a 2 second fuse. It then sets off a pyro charge of flashpowder.

Not to be confused with the toy-like CO2 airsoft flashbangs, which are just a CO2 capsule popping a plastic shell.

One going off in the daytime, showing the fireball.

One going off at night.

 

[entropy]

I'm on the 'notify me' list. Thanks! Another tool in the box is always welcome.

 

[Reinz]

How much do they cost?

 

[hso]

How likely are they to set your laundry on fire if you drop it down the laundry chute?

 

[rust collector]

Most reviews provide a source and cost information. Here is a link to a source of similar products. https://iwainternationalinc.com/

None on AMZ and I suspect they are normally available only through police training channels.

 

[Ethan Verity]

Sold here, though out of stock at the moment. https://www.airsoftjunkiez.com/taginn-fbg-6-2-0s-flash-grenade-pack-of-6-hazmat-shipping/

$65 for 6, +40 hazmat shipping.. so 105 for 6. ~17 bucks a pop. I got 18 back when I got mine (3 boxes) , all for just the one hazmat shipping cost... brought it down to $13 a piece. So far I have blown up 7 of them, all have worked flawlessly.

I don't think they are a big fire risk, there are no burning fragments left after it explodes. The big fireball is fast, like a muzzle blast.

 

[LiveLife]

I don't think they are a big fire risk, there are no burning fragments left after it explodes. The big fireball is fast, like a muzzle blast.

 

[rust collector]

Do they work under water (ie can we take them fishing)?

 

[JShirley]

Very cool, but also not a Non-Firearm Weapon like a pellet rifle.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Very cool!

HOWEVER...

(I know...party-pooper posting coming)

It's NOT a "civilian legal flashbang". It's a device developed for Airsoft and Paintball events. It's supposedly "classified just as a firework", and that may be so...but I can't find any information on this.

Is the timer considered a "fuse"? I don't know how it works inside, and I can't find anything in the federal laws about this type of ignition device, but a burning fuse itself must not be less than 3 seconds in burn duration nor more than 9 seconds. While this is specifically worded for physical fuses which must be manually lit, that doesn't mean there aren't laws I can't find governing timing overall. (16CFR1507.3 "Fuses").

Also, using these devices in a fashion other than that for which they are intended (Airsoft and Paintball use) may end up running afoul of the law. In other words, using them as a flashbang device by dropping them on people breaking into your basement could land you into hot water. Depends on how the laws and warnings are for these devices on both a federal and a state level.


I bring this up because a number of years ago I had a really good discussion with @Frank Ettin on the subject of people using Wasp spray for self defense. (Don't do this, by the way...we're not wasps and the chemicals don't work on humans the way people who advocate this would have us believe.) Turns out that even using a "weapon of opportunity" has the potential to run afoul of federal law on such matters.

Now, whether these devices would actually run afoul of the law in a similar fashion, I don't know. But ANYTIME you use something whose use is in some way regulated by the government in a manner contrary to those regulations, you run a risk.

Even for self-defense.


THAT SAID:

STILL a cool device and looks like fun to play with (if a bit expensive for my tastes)!

 

[N555]

Those are fine but if you try to import the nearly harmless reusable 22 nail driver "blank" powered ones customs seizes them.

 

[hso]

I don't think they are a big fire risk

Test one in a house sim and see.

 

[Jeff White]

I don't see a defensive use for a flashbang, not the real ones I've used or this airsoft one.