If you are like most people, you have probably thought about buying a flare gun, but have not done much research about it. In this article, we will look at the features of a flare gun and how it functions, as well as some of the risks and precautions to take while using one.
Fires caused by flare-guns
The use of flare-guns can be dangerous. They can seriously injure or kill.
Flare guns are not legally recognized as firearms in most jurisdictions. These weapons are used to signal for help or scare wild animals. Many people store them on boats and aircraft. However, they are prohibited in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument.
According to the Wikimedia Foundation, a flare-gun is “a device for signaling or illuminating other things. It works by firing low-damage, high-velocity flare projectiles.”
A Flare Gun is not an underwater weapon, and cannot be reforged. Some countries have strict gun control laws, so it is important to check with local authorities before using a flare gun.
A man who allegedly fired a flare gun into a club-cafe in Kostroma, Russia, has been arrested. The blaze killed at least 13 people. There have been several fatal fires in Russia in recent years.
Signaling a need for help
Signaling a need for help with a flare gun is a good way to go, especially if you’re on the water. As a rule of thumb, a boater needs to have at least two red hand flares and two orange smoke flares. There are many other items in the boater’s toolkit, including a distress signal. If you’re not sure how to assemble a signal, the Coast Guard will walk you through it.
Flares are not for the faint of heart, so be sure to educate yourself about the local laws, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for seagulls. Aside from attracting the attention of passing ships, a flashing blue light can also prove useful in a search and rescue situation.
You should be able to find a variety of different flares on the market, so do your research before you buy. They range in price from $50 to several hundred dollars. Keeping an extra battery or two onboard can come in handy.
Scaring away predators
A recent incident at a remote Russian village in the Chukotka region has led to a whole host of controversy. The main reason is that a group of hikers witnessed a female polar bear with a cub in tow. Although the polar bear was not a danger to the hikers, she did manage to break into the tent of the unsuspecting inhabitants. This is the most troubling aspect of the situation.
To their credit, the villagers have responded to the threat with a little bit of military grade tactics. Some of the roving bears have even tried to make it into the residential areas. One way to keep them from making your life a misery is to keep a solid cache of flares on hand.
Safety precautions to take
If you are using a flare gun, it is important that you follow the proper safety precautions. Despite the fact that they aren’t too complicated to fire, they can cause serious damage if they are used improperly. Moreover, it is important to be aware of the different local laws.
Some states consider flare guns to be firearms, and thus require that you store them unloaded. The safety precautions for this kind of device are similar to those for smoke signaling devices.
Before firing a flare, you should check the manual. It will explain how to load the unit, and how to fire it. Moreover, it will also provide you with information on how to cock the flare.
First, you should remove the closure cap from the upper end of the barrel. Next, attach the trip wire. Place the trip wire or wires about 15 to 18 inches above the ground.
