Way beyond 556- Did something change with Flare Launchers recently?

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I’ve just noticed and uptick in 37mm flare launcher activity in my inbox. I see that Spikes tactical has some under-barrel and independant flare launchers.

https://www.spikestactical.com/collections/havoc/

I for some reason thought that even the 37mm launchers had some legal issues a few years back, and I hadn’t seen them advertised. Did something change???

In semi-related matters, wasn’t there an issue with smoke grenades for civilians and their classification? Was that linked with the lack of flare launcher mentions?

Or am I just noticing the marketing? Or are they back in stock after the 2020 nuttiness.

Are the flare guns , uhm guns? Do they need a 4473? It seems not?? Or is it an ammo issue?

If smoke rounds are not kosher, what kind of rounds can you actually launch? Do these have any useful purpose? Outside of of Vietnam or PRedator LARPing?

It seems like a shotgun can do most of what these can do?

ANd of course, if I get one, I want an M32 clone with the six shots…

Bored on a Saturday…

[Unicorn]

The only issue with a 37mm flare gun that I can think of would be if you are using bean bag, wood baton, or rubber shot through it. Something meant to be used directly on a person makes it a Destructive Device. Smoke, flares, star cluster flares are ok.

Are you thinking of the smoke grenade issue from like 2008? The fuses used made them destructive devices, then many of the later ones were made difficult to ship because of the extra hazmat fees.

[markm]

Are you thinking of the smoke grenade issue from like 2008? The fuses used made them destructive devices, then many of the later ones were made difficult to ship because of the extra hazmat fees.

My thoughts exactly. I had bought a few 10 plus years back from some goofball outfit that shipped them direct with no hazmat at all.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I have zero need for a 37mm launcher, but for some reason I want to go full retard and get or make a M32A1 in 37mm. THe chamber pressure is pretty low, isn’t it? It isn’t a firearm right, technically?

[Diamondback]

Seems to me that other than weight, a pistol GL/SSC in one of the more thumping calibers like .300BLK might be a good backwoods gun. You have the punch of the rifle-caliber round in a more agile package, and the 37 can launch smokers or flares up into more visible positions in a SAR situation. I mean, ain't nobody gonna confuse Goofy Grape for anything natural...