what kinda flares to get

[SgtMaj]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Well I'm not positive they are plastic... maybe a composite or something.

I know they make 12-guage blanks for them, but wasn't sure if a regular shell (or even a rocksalt load) would work in it. I would imagine so though, since a blank has all the same power, it's just missing the projectiles in front of it. I might be wrong though.

Must be hell trying to locate someone by flare illumination. That's gotta be like finding a needle in 10,000 haystacks.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: what kinda flares to get

I'll add a "PS" on the issue of flare failures - I just saw one claim that up to 50% of "flares" fail. The piece seemed to be in regard to hand launchable aerial flares (no gun) and didn't mentioned any brand at all but discussed o-rings in the devices. Apparently, those flares that use standard, round o-rings tend to fail more often because the o-rings deform. Conversely, some of these flares are made with flat o-rings, which are said not to deform. I'm not quite sure what o-ring problems have to do with failure - anyone else know?

As I mentioned a couple of posts up, I have an Orion flare gun and it appears not to be made of anything exotic in terms of the molded barrel and body. I'll defer to those more expert in firearms as to differences in internal pressues with different types of loads.

 

[rbc]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Jay, re my post about Orion flares. The instructer was not a memeber of Coast Guard but a Capt. who has taught Capt. classes locally for aver 25 years. Part of his course is hands on firing of flare guns with approval of Coast Guard when that occurs. What I am saying is, he has a lot of experience firing flares and observing his students with flares. Something most people do not get to do and that may be why you don't encounter much info. on net.
We fired out of date and in date flares, the in date flares usually worked although some Orion did not. Many of the out of date flares worked. General consensus was Orion were pretty useless and when they did fire did not compare with burn length or intensity of SOLAS flares. No records were kept, no statistcs just our own observation and instructers many years of experience.
You would be rather foolish to fire a regular shotgun shell in a flare gun. A SOLAS flare would make a good enough weapon.
rbc

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Sounds like he had a pretty good base of knowledge then - nothing like practical experience.

I have a great deal of admiration and respect for those who volunteer their time and money to become C.G. Aux members but have found some to be a little lacking in real knowledge. That's the only reason why I asked the question. I also find many to be quite knowledgeable and it was, in fact, an auxiliary member who told me about using blank CDs as a signaling device. Pretty clever as far as I am concerned!

 

[ziggy]

Re: what kinda flares to get

wow, lots of info guys. thanks. i went back to wally world and returned the outdated hand held flarers. i ended up with a orion flare gun. sounds like i shoulda got the solas ones. but i guess my real goal is mostly to please the uscg. there will be rare times that i get places that i think i might be in need of it. but ya never know. i just want to be compliant... the new flare gun is dated feb. 2010....that's a little better than what i had that came pre expired......

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Sounds good and remember, there is nothing preventing you from buying some SOLAS flares later on. Actually, the more I think about it, I believe that's what I am going to do.

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Your goal isn't to please the USCG. It's to get rescued when the doo-doo reaches your neck...

I carry an Ikaros Coastal flarepack. Google it...

 

[ziggy]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Your goal isn't to please the USCG. It's to get rescued when the doo-doo reaches your neck...

that be true.... i'll stand corrected.....

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: what kinda flares to get

wow, lots of info guys. thanks. i went back to wally world and returned the outdated hand held flarers. i ended up with a orion flare gun.

Does Wally World carry those? I thought myself to be lucky to find them at bass pro shops, would love to see the price on it at wally world.

 

[ziggy]

Re: what kinda flares to get

yep, the expired handhelds were about 21 and some change, the flare gun was 33 and some change..... sorry, don't know how much non expired hand helds are.......

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Wow, that's a lot cheaper than the $70 at bass pro for the gun.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Yes! Please be sure to have all "anti-do-do" gear aboard!

 

[Bondo]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Ayuh,.........

I just buy 1 of These every 3 years, as they Expire........

Everything you need to be CG compliant is In there......

 

[Bill kubiak]

Re: what kinda flares to get

Shotgun shells are 2 3/4 or 3 inch magnums, the flare gun is 2 1/2 inch so a shotgun shell won't fit. Once knew a charter pilot in Miami with a flare pistol he modified to fire a low brass shotgun shell back in the late 80's when there was a lot of skyjacking to Cuba going on. He said he did not want to go there and if someone pulled a knife he would pull his flare gun, and that would be that