flare guns for self-defense?

[coosbaycreep]

I don't actually plan on using one for SD, but has anyone ever heard of the effectiveness of flare guns against people/animals? I've seen plenty of movies where monsters or whatever was killed with one, but have never actually heard about a flare gun being used in real life. Judging from the size of the rounds and how hot they're suppose to burn, if they were to penetrate even a little bit, it seems to me like they would mess someone up pretty bad.

What kind of legal problems could you get into using a flare gun for defense? I went to Kali earlier this month, and since the handgun laws are so ridiculous there that it's not even worth the hassle of legally having one in your car there, I decided to buy a BB pistol and just kept it in the back of my vehicle. Since flare guns don't require background checks and aren't considered firearms, can you carry one or keep it in the glovebox or anything? It seems to me like a flare gun might be an effective means of protection in places where the gun laws are unconstitutional.

 

[gunnerjones]

Humm... I never thought of that. lol. I guess you could use one but as soon as you shoot it you have to reload. My tip is to go buy a Ithica 37 Defince or a Mossberg 500 w/ full stock. You could keep those in your trunk but if you wanted to keep one on you or near you in the car, then you chould by a handgun. A Glock 9mm +P would get the job done but you could use a 40. 44-40. 45. or 45. ACP. It doest madder of the cal. just that its above a 9mm. My other tip is to get a gun that can take a few drops, like a Glock, 1911, 9mm PPK, something along those lines. But don't spend to much money on it that you would get mad if you lost it or it was stolen, but dont go too cheap and buy one that falls apart when you shoot it... hope this helps...

Gunner Jones

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

You might want to take a peek at this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=231322

Considering the fire danger in California, I don't think I'd want to be caught with anything incendiary in nature.

 

[ChaoSS]

Why in God's name would you opt for a BB gun?

 

[W.E.G.]

A flare gun would fit the definition of concealed (gun) "designed to fire a projectile" under most state laws.

Conceal one unlawfully at your peril.

Same applies to brandishing and discharge.

 

[David E]

From what I've read, they wouldn't penetrate at all. Just bounces off. It might cause a welt and a burn, but nothing like the movies show where it's burning inside the badguy.

 

[Darkninja]

I don't actually plan on using one for SD

Don't mean to be an ass, but then why is this posted in S&T? It isn't a good idea all around, leaves you open to civil suits and won't actually stop an attacker. IF I was going to use some sort of flare weapon, I would just put Dragon's Breathe in my shotgun. [just because it looks cool, not saying it's a good idea AT ALL]

 

[benEzra]

They'd be pretty darn good at setting your room on fire, and would probably cause burns to the bad guy. Might also make the bad guy really mad. And I'm not sure, but I suspect a flare gun could possibly be construed as lethal force, not because of the likelihood of causing death, but because of the likelihood of causing serious injury (burns and eye injury).

Something like this would probably be more effective, CA-legal (I think), and less likely to get you into trouble:

http://www.pepperblaster.com/

SWAT magazine has a review here:

http://www.pepperblaster.com/downloads/pdf/PepperBlaster-SwatMag-Mar07.pdf

They're a little more expensive than a quality aerosol pepper spray ($40-ish) but they probably have a much longer effective shelf life, and unlike a conventional fogger, you can use one indoors without incapacitating yourself.

 

[Tamlin]

I'm in Kalif. too, and thought of the same idea. Can't give you the exact statute, but apparently flare guns are considered the same as concealed weapons if you have them in your vehicle. There is an exception if you have one on your boat. But still -- looking down the barrel of a flare gun looks like you are looking down the barrel of a single-shot shotgun pistol. I can't say where I'm keeping mine . . . .

 

[Justin]

Sorry, but a flare gun is a terrible choice for a defensive weapon. You'd be much better off with pepper spray or a taser.