12Ga flares OK to fire in shotty?

deadIce

deadIce

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I picked up some 12Ga flares from CanTire on sale but didn't read the back of the package 'use in 12ga flare launcher only'.

Are these ok to fire in a shotty? They are a little shorter than the 2 3/4. They are 1 3/4 + 1/2 expansion = @ 2 1/4in.
 
deadIce said:
I picked up some 12Ga flares from CanTire on sale but didn't read the back of the package 'use in 12ga flare launcher only'.

Are these ok to fire in a shotty? They are a little shorter than the 2 3/4. They are 1 3/4 + 1/2 expansion = @ 2 1/4in.
Click to expand...

The general restriction on these types of munitions is to use a cylinder bored gun. They can and do get caught in bore constrictions (choked guns)
 
Aren't there restrictions on incindiary munitions? I would think that if you were to use the flares in a manner other than their intended use, you would be in violation of the law. I'm NOT POSITIVE of the laws regarding flares.
 
Flares are not incendiary ammunition.

However, these are meant for use over open water.
They only rise to about 300 feet or so, pretty much useless in the bush unless the person you are trying to signal is almost directly overhead.

Also they would pose fire danger in dry conditions.

2 cents.
2fat2fly said:
Aren't there restrictions on incindiary munitions? I would think that if you were to use the flares in a manner other than their intended use, you would be in violation of the law. I'm NOT POSITIVE of the laws regarding flares.
Click to expand...
 
I saw a winchester ranger that was cylinder bore that someone tried to fire a twelve gauge flare through. It stopped in the bore and burnt the barrel into an ugly mess. The flares are meant to be fired from a flare gun with a short barrel not shotgun length tubes.
My 2 cents
Dave
 
Have done it many times with bot the single and double flares found at CT. No incidents yet, but be warned that the flare comes down as a peice of melted whatnot and is extremely hot (huge fire hazard).
 
I once held in my hands a nice 12 gauge side by side that some twit had fired a flare from - AT a friend of his as a joke :eek: ! Fortunately for the friend, the flare stuck in the full choke and burned itself out. Unfortunately for the guy who owned the shotgun, the solder holding the barrels and rib together melted and the choke was buggered up. Talk about a Darwin candidate.
 
I believe the 12 gauge flare only use the primer to launch and light the flare so if there is any kind of choke you could have a problem. With only the primer for power , they can use those Cheap plastic flare guns with the unlocked barrels.
 
Rather than #### around with something that could bugger up your shotgun, why don't you buy a pen flare instead. The launchers are cheap, under $20 @ MEC and the signal flares are about $15 for a package of 9. You can also get bear bangers for about $15 a package of 6. The flares shot up about 45 meters and have a burn time of about 5 or 6 seconds as per the box instructions. Both the launcher/flares are small/easy to carry and you don't need to worry about melting your Mr. 12.

Regards
 
Don't buy extra gear if you don't need it. Just buy flares that were designed for use in a 12g shotgun.

shotflares.jpg


OLIN 12 Gauge Flare
Catalog #R912 Burning Time: 5-6 seconds List Price: $7.80 ea. (Sold Individually)
Altitude: 80 meters, Colors: Red and White, 4 cartridges per package D. Visible from a distance of approximately 2 KM by day and 20 KM by night. For use with the OLIN Pistol or a 12 gauge shotgun.
 
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Why take the risk if you are just looking for an emergency signal device. Get a firefly strobe light. Military approved, safe to use and can be seen up to 12 miles on a clear night.
 
aculy i have a 12 ga. olin pistol, i bought it on sale when i was going to go along the great lakes to the states, i havent used it yet but i dont regret buying it light weght and simple, i would recomend it for anyone, and its bright hunter orange and i think it floats(havent tride it)

check out cannadian tire this fall should be on sale again soon for around $25 dollars luancher and 12 flares.
 
I think you would be awfully prudent to cut a flare open and mike the projectile. You should be able to drop it freely down the barrel. Further if it is larger than .690 it will stick in a full choke with .729 being the bore diameter of a 12 guage barrel.

cheers mooncoon
 
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