Flare launcher for fun and. . . uh, fun?

[lucusloc]

I am looking into getting a flare launcher just for fun. Probably an under-barrel model. I am thinking of going 37mm, but I know there are several other common sizes like 20, 26.5 or just go full DD and get a 40 (if you can find one for a decent price). 37 looks like the most versatile from my research as there are plenty of adapters to smaller sizes, but I wanted to pick the brains of anyone else who has some insight into this space before I pull the trigger on one. I am not looking for anything actually "tactical" but dress up is part of the fun. It will be used right along side the golfball cannon for about the same purpose, which does mean fun and flashy ammo is a plus.

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[nehalemguy]

I've also had the itch to play with a 37mm launcher, but the one I would want is the LMT M203 37MM. Exact replica of a real M203 but in non-DD NFA 37mm. Problem is that they are running $2k+ when you can find them, which takes much of the fun out of the idea.

Flare Launcher - LMT Defense

M203 37mm Receiver | Under Barrel Mounted Receiver with 12" Barrel M203FL

lmtdefense.com

-E-

 

[Nwcid]

One of the problems I found when recently looking for a 40mm in the traditional under barrel mount was the availability and cost of the attachment hardware of the front band and hand guards.

From a cost and availability standpoint rail mounted versions seemed to be the best option. I also found that 37mm is pretty limiting in what you can "launch' vs what you can use with 40mm.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I am looking into getting a flare launcher just for fun. Probably an under-barrel model. I am thinking of going 37mm, but I know there are several other common sizes like 20, 26.5 or just go full DD and get a 40 (if you can find one for a decent price). 37 looks like the most versatile from my research as there are plenty of adapters to smaller sizes, but I wanted to pick the brains of anyone else who has some insight into this space before I pull the trigger on one. I am not looking for anything actually "tactical" but dress up is part of the fun. It will be used right along side the golfball cannon for about the same purpose, which does mean fun and flashy ammo is a plus.

These were $1600 on gun deals about 3 years ago. Might find them still on gunbroker. 6 round rotary 37mm is currently $1500 on gunbroker.

20EC21FE-6E00-4EA0-A683-4EAF08EF24C6.png

• ilikegunspdx
• Feb 20, 2024

 

[FireArm]

if you get a launcher you have to get a beehive

15-Round .22LR Reloadable Beehive Round for 37mm/40mm Launchers

The AU Beehive holds fifteen .22 LR rimfire rounds that fire simultaneously from your 37mm or 40mm launcher with the use of one large pistol primer. The Beehive is reusable and is reloaded by hand. Built to last, the Beehive is manufactured from aerospace grade aluminum with a hard coat anodize...

armsunlimited.com

 

[pdx1]

Love the TAC79. Just had to signal for rescue on NYE

 

[ilikegunspdx]

I have an old post for under barrel 37mm launcher for $358 in the old great deals section. Cant recall the brand name but it's common brand for those. Maybe 1.5-2 years old. Woudl be easy to find with a search to find current price.

 

[Nwcid]

if you get a launcher you have to get a beehive

15-Round .22LR Reloadable Beehive Round for 37mm/40mm Launchers

The AU Beehive holds fifteen .22 LR rimfire rounds that fire simultaneously from your 37mm or 40mm launcher with the use of one large pistol primer. The Beehive is reusable and is reloaded by hand. Built to last, the Beehive is manufactured from aerospace grade aluminum with a hard coat anodize...

armsunlimited.com

If you care about being legal, you could have to make sure and register it as a DD before using this.

 

[CountryGent]

Love the TAC79. Just had to signal for rescue on NYE

I've been tempted by the wood stock version:


I've seen real M79s on the NFA market, but not a ton.

 

[ilikegunspdx]

Here's and under barrel 37mm launcher for less than $300

Spikes Tactical 12

Breech-loading 37mm flare launcher clamps securely to the bottom rail

gun.deals

 

[cferrous]

I've thought about getting into this hobby as well. In person resources seem to be limited now that Knob Creek no longer a thing. Bummer.

 

[cferrous]

Worry about the safety factor, anyone here done much with them.

 

[540 M-Sport]

These were $1600 on gun deals about 3 years ago. Might find them still on gunbroker. 6 round rotary 37mm is currently $1500 on gunbroker.

20EC21FE-6E00-4EA0-A683-4EAF08EF24C6.png

• ilikegunspdx
• Feb 20, 2024

I owned one, they are not very well made. Thin sheet metal for the back of the drum...the stock seemed flimsy. Cheap spray paint finish, flaking off everywhere. I got a good deal on it, so never fired it, flipped it and made a few bucks.

 

[540 M-Sport]

One of the problems I found when recently looking for a 40mm in the traditional under barrel mount was the availability and cost of the attachment hardware of the front band and hand guards.

From a cost and availability standpoint rail mounted versions seemed to be the best option. I also found that 37mm is pretty limiting in what you can "launch' vs what you can use with 40mm.

Rail mount is absolutely the way to go. But also make sure your rail is rated for use with a M203. Some are not, and will crack with extended use. I have a DDMK18 and the RIS II is rated to use with the M203.
You can also just go stand alone. I picked up a Spikes Tactical KAOS side folder. It works okay with an LMT M203, though it is really made to fit best with their HAVOC launcher.

Its actually the opposite about ammo. There is very little 40mm stuff available, unless you make your own. There is a ton of stuff available in 37mm.
Most all of the 40mm stuff is restricted now (smoke, gas, parachute flares) and even M781s are crazy priced now. I'm glad I stocked up on several crates of them years ago, before ATF cracked down.