Poll: 12-gauge or 26.5㎜ Flare Gun?

[CountryGent]

So, I just got back from the casino bar marking up the hugegantic 2020 list on what I can punch out now. One is adding a flare gun to the mix. Which brings me to the question; 12-gauge or 26.5㎜? Though more expensive, the latter ones look more sturdy. And it is a bigger bore.

Thoughts?

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[Member 34319]

I vote 12.

Although I actually bought this to replace my existing.

 

[CountryGent]

Went with Orion in the larger bore.

 

[SUPER X]

The steel frame 26.5 .are well built and they sell inserts for 410 . 45lc ,38 ,9mm , 22 . Ect

 

[CountryGent]

The steel frame 26.5 .are well built and they sell inserts for 410 . 45lc ,38 ,9mm , 22 . Ect

Alas, they have to be registered as an Any Other Weapon (AOW) to utilize them.

 

[SUPER X]

Alas, they have to be registered as an Any Other Weapon (AOW) to utilize them.

The insert has to be registered ?

 

[CountryGent]

The insert has to be registered ?

From ATF:

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Flare Launcher Inserts​

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Classification​

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Any Other Weapons, only when possessed with a flare launcher​

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Distinctive Characteristics​

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Generally made of metal​

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Special Note​

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25 mm 12 GA adapter is lawful unless modified​

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Rate of Transfer Tax​

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$200.00 if installed in a flare launcher (making of AOW)​

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[Velzey]

The surplus 26.5 has an impressive kick ( out of my surplus German flare pistol) and I still can't believe how high some of the flare go.

 

[CountryGent]

A tangentially wacky idea was acquiring one of the 37mm M79 clones, and papering it as a DD for the giggles.



(The purpose of this thread was for a portable one to stuff in backpack for the hikes. The silly idea above is really unrelated, other than the flare aspect.)

 

[Andy54Hawken]

The M79 clone may be silly or wacky...but very cool nevertheless.
Edit to add...
Just saw the retail price of $995....Yikes...

While no longer standard issue when I was in the Army...I did get a chance to play with one in a country that shall not be named...Something about a felony and way too many people around for me to try and sneak it home....
Andy

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I would say it depends on what u are going to use it for and also how much value other uses have for you. You can get a polish flare launcher for less than $100 and can get smoke or multi color flares including starburst flares. You can also get reloadable black powder shells that use shotgun primers and load whatever u want such as fireworks loads, flares, whatever.

The more attractive older German versions cost quite a bit more but have that curio/relic appeal and better looking. Last year you could get the 15 shot? revolver version for $1500 but I don't think they sell those any more. 12 gauge is mostly limited to flare use only. 26.5 you can be creative with it and have fun with black powder loads.

 

[Member 34319]

Cheaper to get a can cannon, pour gasoline on tennis ball, put down tube and pull trigger.

 

[Idaho44]

FYI here are some sources:

United Nations Ammo Company (UNAC)

https://www.dansammo.com/ammo.asp

 

[revjen45]

How does a flare gun work for close-up SD?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Kinda along the lines of :
Show a man how to start a fire and he will be warm at night...
Set a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life...
Andy

 

[Capn Jack]

Alternate Bird Bombs and Screamers out of your pump 12GA. and simulate incoming.

Fun, but expensive. I sure miss "BLAMO AMMO"

 

[Capn Jack]

I still have one of the original, "Orion" 12/20 (?) combo kits with the parachute flares.
and the 12GA. adaptor.
Gripes me that I have to buy new cartridges for it every couple of years, when I'm still
shooting WWII cartridges in my rifles.

 

[CountryGent]

Just saw the retail price of $995....Yikes...

Yah, that's what torpedoed the idea for me on this one. Neat, but not a grand neat.

 

[Idaho44]

I read an article (i think Backwoodsman mag) several years ago by a fella who chose a flare gun with an insert since it technically wasn't a pistol when he did a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Wilderness since he did pass into Canadian waters. Flare guns should be metal and not plastic. Search for a 26.5 Polish or HK one or find one that uses the 12 gauge flares. Price should be around $100.

Here is another source: 45 LC & 410 Shotgun Sub-Caliber Device - Flare Gun Insert - Runway Sub Cal

 

[fredball]

A tangentially wacky idea was acquiring one of the 37mm M79 clones, and papering it as a DD for the giggles.

View attachment 646906

(The purpose of this thread was for a portable one to stuff in backpack for the hikes. The silly idea above is really unrelated, other than the flare aspect.)

@CountryGent where did you find those ?