Shotgun shell flares.

P

Pond James Pond

New member
I was in my local hunting store recently and I saw 12 and 16g flares available.

What is the deal with these?

I've not paid attention to them in the past, but having rediscovered my 2 old shotguns in the bottom of the safe, these flares caught my eye this time around.

Are they as good as flare-gun flares?
Are they a serious fire risk?
Has anyone used them and if so what for?
 
I've used the colored ones at a friends fireworks show on July 4th to fill in between the good stuff.
No more of a fire hazard than any other flare.
Quite visible even before dark.
 
They're made for flare guns used on boats, primarily. Flare guns are required in some places on all recreational boats over a specific length(26' here). 16 gauge is unusual though. 12 gauge is common.
They can be a serious fire risk in very dry conditions. No risk to any shotgun bore.
Flares and flare guns are not wilderness toys though. Even in a shotgun, they're signalling devices for use in emergencies.
 
The answer !!

They're made for flare guns used on boats, primarily.
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This is right, all the way. The flares can be shot out of a regular shotgun but they are designated for the flare guns. Usually the maker of the flares also makes the hand-held gun that shoots them. Both are a common item around large waterways. ...... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
^^^^^
Correctamente.
Meant to say "These flares aren't for 'just' for flareguns; they're made for shotguns."
Fast typing, like fast shooting makes for inaccuracies.
But for fun, get the red ones designed for calling for help, along with the white ones designed for illumination.

And, of course, obey all the usual safety precautions concerning hot ash falling on potential fuel sources - including eyes and skin.
And always aim high - no joke.
Years ago, at a local 4th of July fireworks display, a set of rockets got knocked over just as they ignited.
They went right through the crowd.
Boy, talk about excitement.
 
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If you need aid in the wilderness, you're better off with a satellite phone, there is no guaranteed dial tone with a flare if there is no one there but you.
 
Igniting the forest would probably get lots of attention.
Flares are better used as marine rescue and illumination tools, though.
And would avoid critter stampedes, too.
Fish don't care much about hot stuff.
 
Flares are best used for signaling when a potential rescuer is in sight, not blindly when nobody is looking. At night, look for the position lights and identify direction of travel. Try to get the flare in front of the craft if at all possible whether during daytime or night.

As an aside, if I truly need rescue, I won't be caring if they are corrosive or if it's illegal to use them on public land.
 
If you want to dispose of flares bring them to the USCG. They don't appreciate people shooting emergency flares without an emergency !!!:eek:
 
Doubtful if the Coast Guard would object to shooting flares on the 4th over a land locked corn field. :D
Sorry, couldn't resist.
 
As a matter of fact it is against the law to use emergency flares, except in an emergency. But, at the fireworks display over water on the Fourth I asked and the USCG did say shoot 'em if you got 'em. Of course a bunch of people already were doing so.
 
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