legalities of a Pengun flare launcher?

[labgrade]

Saw one of these recently & am curious if these are a any other weapon these days.

For those who haven't seen one, they are a (fairly thick) pen-sized apparatus (~ 1/4" diameter X 5" long) which has a threaded front end which accepts a small(ish) primed/self-contained projectile launcher. The "launcher" may have a package of either a signal flare or tear gas - oethers may be available.

Used to be fairly common in the "olden days," but this is the first one I've seen in many a year.

What's their legal status these days of increased safety?

 

[EchoFiveMike]

They sell them at the local Sports Authority, so I guess they are just fine, legally speaking, and this is within the limits of Crook County, where the Peoples Socialist Republik of Chicago is located. S/F...Ken M

 

[HankB]

I saw one that had a homemade steel front end to fire other projectiles. Since it didn't take an actual cartridge - in fact, it was a muzzle loader - the owner claimed it was not an AOW. The owner said he felt the limitations were recoil and the strength of the "pen" part of the launcher.

 

[Colombe]

Darn. I mis-read the title and thought it said "penguin" flare launcher and thought "how cool would that be?"

 

[labgrade]

Colombe,

Yes. I must confess - 'tis I who saw my own ... didn't really want to tell the world I've a [gasp] any other weapon if they're "bad."

While we're at this, who knows where to get flares for these things? Any where like some cheaper than dirt look-a-likes?

 

[HankB]

thought it said "penguin" flare launcher

Funny thing is, I think the brand name was "Penguin." They made not only signal flares, but CN tear gas cartridges for these, too.

 

[Kharn]

I believe the ATF said they were not AOWs because the body would not withstand a full power cartridge (the flares, IIRC, use a .38 special case).

Kharn

 

[labgrade]

The flares I still have have a externally threaded & rebated portion with what looks to be a shotgun primer. This end screws into the launcher body itself.

Opposite side is approximately same diameter as the launcher body & 1-1/4" or so long - sealed with a metal cap.

Launches a red flare about 100 yards straight up. Kinda handy deal to have in the family truckster for those "way out there" trips.