Signal pistols are not among the popular types of weapons, however, in the arsenal of avid hunters, tourists and security guards are a must. A simple design, ease of maintenance and a rather effective result of the action make it possible to use such rocket launchers both in difficult conditions and on duty at critical points. From a legal point of view, flare guns, pistols and other variations of lighting and sound hand weapons are not considered combat models and can be used without special permission.
General information
There are many versions and modifications of signal weapons, but in the standard version, the flare gun is a non-automatic weapon in the form of a handle. Its device largely repeats the design principles of a smoothbore gun, which provides for a barrel fracture. In fact, the flare gun can be attributed to one of the stages in the evolution of the classic hunting rifle, because ammunition for pyrotechnic signaling is also developed according to the same principle.
Besides the fact that the signal rocket launcher in the first versions was produced on the platform of shortened guns, later there werethe most popular calibers have also been adopted. However, labeling systems still have discrepancies. For example, the barrel of a 26 mm rocket launcher can be considered as an analogue of the 4th hunting caliber. In the standard version, the flare gun is a single-barreled weapon, but there are also double-barreled models.
Operation principle
The product of a shot is usually accompanied by noise, which is emitted due to the formation of a gas mixture from the warhead. At the moment of activation of the detonating capsule by the impact of the striker, the charge explodes, releasing chemical energy. The expanding gas forms a shock wave in the air. If a flare gun with a light effect is used, then the key processes occur at altitude, when the chemicals of the flare gun brightly illuminate the flight path. As in the case of smoke munitions, flash flares may not emit noise effects at all - however, today there are many variants of cartridges that implement the combined principle of operation.
Purpose and application
Flare guns perform two main functions - scaring away and attracting attention (alert). Each cartridge model has a certain signal effect - light, sound or smoke. Depending on the goals and conditions of use, a specific option is selected - for example, a signal rocket launcher with sound charges is recommended to scare away and intimidate, and lighting models are more often used to inform, supplyhelp signals, etc. Smoke charges are less common, but their role is also significant. For example, smoke is used to mask or mark landing sites. However, for such purposes, special installations or warheads with large calibers are more often used.
In addition, the flare gun can be used as a training tool that develops handling skills already with a combat analogue. In this regard, such models make it possible to master not only the technical mechanism of operation, but also psychologically get used to the working "effects". For example, in terms of the degree of noise exposure, the signal rocket launcher is not inferior, and in some cases even surpasses combat models. Actually, this is the reason for the demand for rocket launchers as weapons for self-defense. They do no harm, but the psychological effect is quite impressive.
Shpagin pistol
One of the most successful representatives of domestic flare guns is the Shpagin pistol. This is a hand-held smoothbore weapon with which you can fire lighting cartridges. Being a reliable and trouble-free assistant, the SPS signal rocket launcher has a simple design and operation principle. To charge, you need to break the barrel of the rocket launcher and install a cartridge in it. At the same time, the model does not differ in special aiming properties, and its rate of fire is about 12 shots per 1 minute.
If a signal charge is used, then the flight altitude can reach 120 m, and in the case of asterisks - 150 m. Shooting can be carried out with cartridges intended for both daytime and nighttime. In addition to signaling warheads, the SPSh is compatible with incendiary cartridges and even some modifications of gas grenades.
Signal munitions
Ammunition, which comes with a rocket launcher, is presented in a wide range. They can be classified by the presence of parachutes, the effect of the action and the number of stars. The simplest rounds include single-star flare rounds, but there are also multiple-color rounds and smoke bombs. The maximum lifting height reaches 150 m, but this figure is relevant for favorable conditions of use.
The pyrotechnic projectile, which launches a pen-shaped flare gun, is visible at a distance of several kilometers. Recently, combined cartridges have also been common, in which, along with color visual signaling, a noise effect is provided - it is provided by a howling pyrotechnic whistle.
Safety when using rocket launchers
Like all devices that work with pyrotechnics, flare guns require certain safety measures:
- Manufacturers recommend always handling weapons as if they were loaded and not pointing the barrel at people.
- If the capsule did not activate after pressing the trigger, it is recommended to wait up to 1 minute. As a rule, this is the effect of a “long shot”, but if nothing happens after a while, you should unload the gun.
- The ammunition used must be compatible with the pistol model.
- Primers cannot be pulled out in dummy cartridges.
You may notice that flare guns, pistols and revolvers have safety systems, in some cases reducing the ease of use of these weapons. Understanding this, manufacturers do not recommend upgrading devices, getting rid of protection systems. In addition, light triggers are prohibited.
