Flare gun stopping power?

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Flair gun stopping power?

I keep seeing surplus flair guns for $40 or so, in magazines. They say, "no FFL requires" ,so (even though this doesn't apply to me) I'm wandering if one would be an option for defense, in some of the more restrictive states / cities?

I have never held one in my hand and am completely unfamiliar with them but you got to think 12ga flair would have to get some penetration. It worked so so for the Sheriff in Jaws 2.

What do you think?
 
Well lesse. If you invented a gun that when fired, would repair the target's sense of fashion, that might be a "flair gun".

A FLARE gun on the other hand can be found at any boater supply house :p.

Sorry.

OK, basically, the one they sell new are bright orange nylon breakopen single-shots. I've test-fired one...shot a flare-ball about 100 feet almost straight up (which is where I was pointing it). If we guesstimate the total payload weight at...hmmm...dunno, call it 40 grains but that's pure guesswork, given the very poor sectional density that's a pretty impressive flight. So ya, you'll probably plant a burnin'-burnin'-hunk-o'-crap about 2" deep in somebody's chest.

My. THAT oughta get their attention :D.

Now, if you really want to get sick, take some sort of light target 2&3/4ths 12ga round, load it in there, and duct-tape the living hell out of it. You'll get one shot. It may blow up in your hand, although I've heard stories implying otherwise. You won't find ME trying this! Way bigtime illegal, but...in a real emergency...ye GODS at short range that'd be a mess.

(On legalities: street carry of a flare gun with flare loads will violate most state's CCW rules, although some shall-issue states might actually allow it. Stress MIGHT. But load it with any sort of "real 12ga load", and you're into Federal sawed-off shotgun territory.)
 
Personally -I think Shaw's fingernails scratching on the blackboard in the original Jaws --stopped most of the viewers in the theatre-got my GF's attn. :)

Stopping an "immediate action". I too have 'tested 'these. In fact around here a buddy commented Wally World had them for ~$20. He keeps one in his fishing boat...to actually signal for help [using for original idea-wow!]. I would imagine that any tool used to stop an immediate threat...whilst one is out fishing...would then be considered --effective.

As per Jim's warning, DO NOT consider those 'cute' mini twelves. Besides legalities, its damn difficult to tie a clinch knot one- handed.

lets just say guys made thier own mini twelves -many years ago-...have seen the resulting scars...do not go there

Also I've seen what Frat boys with daddy's boat+ full bar onboard+signaling toys = wet boys and burned boat washed ashore.
 
Dang Micro Soft spell checker!

I was thinking along the lines of an unmodified flare gun & life jacket in the trunk or stowed in the bedroom, for the guy that lives in NYC etc.
 
I think those flare guns are cool. We got my FIL one for his boat.

The 2-1/2" (?) flares will fit a shotgun but from what I've heard, you better have a cylinder bore tube or they'll lodge near end of barrel and bye bye barrel. I carry one white flare in my bandoleer.

The word is that the white flares are for practice and the red flares are for distress. Its illlegal to fire a red flare if your not in distress or the men in black will come for you.:uhoh:
 
There are German and other WWII flare guns kicking around and they were designed to fire alternate rounds, some of which were anti-personnel types, even anti-armor (light armour admittedly).

A magnesium flare, that cannot be quenched until it has exhausted the fuel, imbedded in ones chest or some other part of the body, will certainly get your attention. Even if it zipped by your head, you would probably exit stage right at greatest speed possible.

As far as firing alternate ammunition, other than flares, in the plastic flare guns is in a word...."INSANE"...... since they are not designed to handle the approx 12,000 CUP (copper units pressure) generated by most shotgun shells (12 gauge) and most likely would be nearer to "grenade" than gun.
 
A large flare planted into the middle of someone's chest would probably hurt a lot. But I prefer my intruders dead or fleeing.
 
A flare gun (or perhaps a more effective tool, if intending for home defense, a rocket-propelled parachaute flare) could certainly serve as a deterent... if nothing else, a ball or fire should scare even teh PCP-"enhanced" people...
 
Hypothesis aside can anyone give a reference to a flare gun being used effectivly on a human being?

I do not know if a flare gun is effective or not. I would like to find out, one way or the other. :confused:

I work in a hospital. I've seen many gunshots ( including muzzle loading ), arrows, knife lacerations etc...

But never have I seen or read of a case involving the succesfull use of a flare launcher against a human being. If there has been some I would very much like to read about them. I freely admit I am a Evans/Sanow fan, I like to see/read what ammo does against real badguys who may be affected by drugs/alcohol/adrenaline.

If any one can give me some references I would greatl appreciate it.

Thank You

NukemJim
 
I've wondered before if flares couldn't be made and reloaded. A water heater anode rod is solid magnesium with a steel rod in it. It could be band sawed into chunks, turned down with a lathe (?) to the proper diameter, and reloaded. Theoretically. Would it be AP due to the steel rod? (Or at least a better penetrator?)

Anybody ever try anything like that? Do you think the wad would stop it from ignighting?

I'm kind of scared to try cutting one and don't have a lathe. If that steel rod sparked it'd be a lively night in the garage for sure. :what:
 
A water heater anode rod is solid magnesium with a steel rod in it. It could be band sawed into chunks, turned down with a lathe (?) to the proper diameter, and reloaded.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't try it. The friction from cutting it probably wouldn't ignite the rod, but it might ignite the shavings . . .
 
A buddy of mine has a machine shop. One day he let a new guy mill some magnesium and he didn’t know to not let the shavings pile up….they couldn't put the fire out so he swept the burning pile out the door and let it burn itself out.

Based upon the account of the boy, who got shot in the head, the flare gun may be a little on the wimpy side, but it would be interesting to see what it would do in a SD situation.
 
I've looked pretty hard for the 26.5 mm flares. No joy. That's the chambering for the surplus flare guns. If anyone has a source, please post.

I picked up a plastic flare gun and a bunch of cartridges for illuminating purposes. Not too shabby for those 100y targets at night.
 
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?p=WX2&i=74641


"12-ga. Flare Conversion Insert
High-grade Black anodized aluminum. 3 3/4" long, weighs 2 ozs. NOTE: NOT for firing normal 12-ga. ammunition, which will not fit this shorter chamber.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------"

Wonder what those extra short .12ga mini slugs by Aquilla (sp) would do in one?
 
If I recall correctly, a 12 ga. flare gun has an offset firing pin. Shotgun ammunition will not fire.
in one.

Flare cartridges do not use a shotgun primer. The primer is like a .22 rimfire case so the offset firing pin will strike it.
 
If I recall correctly, a 12 ga. flare gun has an offset firing pin. Shotgun ammunition will not fire. Flare cartridges do not use a shotgun primer. The primer is like a .22 rimfire case so the offset firing pin will strike it
Click to expand...

This is incorrect, at least for the 12 ga flare which sits on the table in front of me as I speak...

Its a (aproxx.) 2" to 2-1/4" shell. Headstamp says 'Orion' and 'White Meteor', and is sealed with red sealant.

Without forensic analysis, its obviously a SG primer. Very centered and no rimfire characteristics to it at all. I hold a standard SG shell also. Its the same primer, very easy to see.

:confused:

Maybe you meant a 37mm flare or some other type? I've never seen any other types but the 12 GA version, so am guessing at that.
 
Some local kid shot a girl at near point blank with a flare gun a while back. Hit her in the cheek and basically went in, did a bunch of facial damage. Nothing too serious, just, you know, scarring for life. :uhoh:

What I would like to know, has anyone tried shooting one of those Dragons Breath rounds out of a 12ga metal barreled flare gun? :D

/Arcli9ht
 
I can't believe that no has mentioned this, but if you actually did use a flare pistol for self defense, you stand a pretty good chance of starting a fire that will only intensify with water. IMO, firing a flare gun inside a building would be a mistake. Firing one outside in a populated area horizontally very well also might start a fire. If you lived in an area that was anti-self defense and tried to get around that by carrying a flare gun; and you actually fired it and started a fire, I think you would be in some pretty serious trouble.
 
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