Are weapons chambered for Flaubert legal in Russia?
Good afternoon
The question is: how legal are weapons chambered for Flaubert in Russia? Until now I was sure that it was not allowed (unlike Ukraine). But!! The other day I came across two Russian online weapons stores in a row (one of them in the center of Moscow) that quite officially sell such weapons. I will not give addresses to avoid accusations of hidden advertising. In the description of the weapon models, it is specially emphasized - quote: “Complete contents: box, 2 brushes for cleaning, passport for the revolver, sales receipt and certificate of conclusion (which certifies that this weapon does not belong to the category of firearms.) NO SPECIAL PERMISSION FOR PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. “The cartridges themselves are also sold there. I have doubts about the legality of the acquisition, everything seems to be official, I will be a bona fide purchaser, but suddenly there is a catch. Yes, it looks like these are just stupid clones of Ukrainian online stores
Does not look like it. One internet/shop is located right in Moscow. This kind of nonsense can lead to the illegal sale of weapons, I think so, if they are not certified. I’m more inclined to think that these stores somehow got involved and got permission to sell it. There the bullet speed is a maximum of 220 m/s - PCP pneumatics give more.
If possible, make sure that you have a Russian expert’s opinion that this device is not a firearm. Some flaubers can easily withstand “diphenhydramine” to achieve energy of more than half a joule per square millimeter
Well, we’re not talking about “diphenhydramine.” We are talking about the legal purchase of a device and the legal purchase of ammunition. No further peeling. And possible troubles in the future in Russia. Thank you for the advice to clarify the expert, somehow I didn’t think of it myself before.
Simply, if Flaubert gets examined, the expert will shoot “diphenhydramine” in accordance with the methodology. It’s good if the drum is silumin. Then there is a high chance of the drum breaking. And if not, then you are guaranteed three geese. And as a former owner of Flaubert, I will say that the toy is not worth the money.
quote: Originally posted by V45: quote: “Includes: box, 2 brushes for cleaning, passport for the revolver, sales receipt and certificate of conclusion (which certifies that this weapon does not belong to the category of firearms.) NO SPECIAL PERMISSION FOR PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. “
the fact is that some models of flauberts really are not firearms because they do not exceed the energy of 7.5 J or 0.5 J/mm2. They are still being studied according to Soviet manuals. Initially, this was the case in Ukraine, and it was precisely because of this that they were recognized as not firearms; it was discovered that with such energy, the bullet does not cause serious damage. But then things started to happen. Nowadays they import into Ukraine such tchotchkes that any examination recognizes as firearms, but no one sends them there. As for your case - if these are Czech Alphas or Ukrainian Safaris of old releases - there is nothing to be afraid of. And about demidrol - this is an article for the manufacture of ammunition
Kostikfraerok, try to attach an article to the expert about “diphenhydramine”.
quote: Originally posted by Starhunter: Kostikfraerok, try to attach an article to the expert about “diphenhydramine”.
and on what basis does an expert need to rivet Demedrol? If the barrel is handicraft, homemade, then the expert has the right to make the necessary ammunition himself or, at worst, use separate loading. And if the barrel is factory-made, the manufacturer indicates its intended purpose - recreational shooting, then the expert will not split hairs, especially if the method does not require it. As for dephenhydramine, I said this for those who like to cheat
The problem is that Flaubert is not certified as structurally similar in the Russian Federation. Hence the expert’s “zhimedrol” - to determine whether Flaubert belongs to the OO or not. What the independent expert certified as structurally similar is valid only on the territory of Ukraine or the state where the revolver was released, in the Russian Federation you can only go to the toilet with this piece of paper. For example, the “Hatsan” model 70, 4.5mm caliber with an energy of 20J is not a weapon on the territory of Ukraine, but in the Russian Federation it is already a weapon for which a license is required.
if they really sell it with a Russian expert’s opinion, what’s the problem? Here is also an example: https://judicial decisions.rf/bsr/case/4617206 And pneumatics are not an example, we really have different laws regarding pneumatics, just like for example regarding cold weather.
Actually, I mean that the conclusions of one country in another country cannot be an argument for an expert. Those. it is written on the website “not a weapon” in country A, but in country B it can be recognized as a weapon because it is not certified.
Weapons allowed! hooray!!!!
Five posts in a row with the same news - Russians were allowed to carry weapons for self-defense if they had a license.
The joy in the comments is fucked up! They were allowed! But there are too many letters and it’s difficult for everyone to read.
For such people, I will simply highlight one single phrase - it is prohibited for citizens to carry long-barreled firearms and bladed weapons for self-defense.
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That's it, fold the flags, sweep up the candy. There will be no holiday. Nobody was allowed to do anything or anything! Text Tag Del Weapons Russia
Ships collected practically from around the world, fearless commanders and Suvorov’s magnificent plan - these are, perhaps, the main components of the successful capture of the Izmail fortress. How it all happened is in our article.
“Approaching the ditch, Lassi ordered Neklyudov to repel the enemy with arrows, and the Life Guards. Izmailovsky Regiment ensign Prince Gagarin to place ladders on the rampart as soon as the ditch is filled with fascines. Under a hail of enemy bullets, the rangers climb the rampart, and at 6 o'clock in the morning Lassi is already at the top. Now the most brutal battle has just begun.
Both side columns (I and III) were still back. Taking advantage of this, the Turks rush at the Russians from all sides, hit them with daggers and sabers, and try to throw them into the ditch with spears. Many killed and wounded. Neklyudov is seriously wounded.
Gagarin gathered the rangers who had scattered during the escalade, attacked the enemy crowds and, having repelled them, united with Lassi, who could barely stay on the rampart.
Lvov's first column had to overcome extraordinary difficulties. The troops assembled at the western flank batteries, built by the Prince de Ligne, and moved forward at a signal.
The Turks noticed the enemy's movement and opened fire.
The Russians filled the wide ditch with fascines and crossed, but behind it there was a strong palisade from the stone redoubt of Tabiy to the bank of the Danube; the palisade had to be walked around one by one.”
N. A. Orlov, “Storm of Izmail by Suvorov in 1790.”
Suvorov plan
For some reason, for us, the assault on Izmail seems like a land operation - many have read about the bloody attack of the Kiliya Gate by Kutuzov, the Khotyn Gate by Prince Lvov, etc.
Almost everyone remembers the moment when Kutuzov could not get into the city and was ready to retreat from the attack, when a messenger from Suvorov arrived and said: “His Excellency Count Suvorov-Rymnikskaya appoints your Excellency commandant of Izmail. A messenger has already been sent to Her Majesty about the capture of the fortress!”
Show in full 5
[my] History Russia War Weapons Long post
The war in Syria continues to be a large-scale testing ground for new and experimental weapons. This time it was the turn of the RPK-16 machine gun, recently adopted by the Russian army. The novelty was spotted in the hands of fighters from one of the special forces detachments of the Special Forces in northern Syria.
It is worth noting that, apparently, the Special Operations Forces became the first special forces in Russia to receive new weapons.
At the same time, even such a recognized elite of domestic security forces as the Alpha and Vympel groups, as of the fall of 2019, were still using the old RPK-74M machine gun (which the new RPK-16 is intended to replace), as evidenced by photographs from their teachings.
The machine gun arrived in Syria in exactly the same configuration in which it was first shown to the public at the Army 2017 forum. The “combat” version had only one difference - the sight. In Syria, the machine gun is operated with a PSU sight (1/4X) produced by the Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant.
Show in full 1
Syria War Weapons Machine gun Russia Politics War in Syria Special forces
At the end of the 80s, the VSS Vintorez sniper rifle and the AS Val assault rifle chambered for the 9x39 mm subsonic cartridge were adopted by Soviet special forces units.
These models have long become faithful and quiet companions of anti-terrorism fighters during special operations.
At the same time, a large caliber of 9 mm with a high stopping and penetrating effect was also of interest to crime fighters.
Born "Shaft" and became "Whirlwind"
In addition to the possibility of flameless and silent firing from a weapon with a silencer, the SP6 cartridge could pierce a 6 mm thick St.3 steel sheet at a distance of 100 m. Thus, by removing the silencer from the Val machine gun, it was possible to obtain a powerful and small-sized special-purpose weapon with the ability to be carried concealed.
This is exactly what designer A.D. did at the Klimov TsNIITOCHMASH. Borisov in 1989: he removed the muffler from the AC assault rifle, and installed a coupling on the middle part of the barrel to close the holes in the barrel. A prototype of an assault rifle with a front sight mounted on the muzzle of the barrel showed encouraging results.
They decided to continue work on the prototype weapon.
SR3 assault rifle with SP6 cartridges
By 1991, the machine had undergone dramatic changes compared to the layout. A new and promising weapon model was created, which received the RG051 index. Instead of a protruding charging handle, the new reloading mechanism was located in the front of the weapon above the barrel in the form of a slide with two stops with a large notch on both sides of the receiver.
The machine gun had a new, more convenient forend, a non-adjustable diopter rear sight and an adjustable front sight with an annular safety lock. The buttstock became light and compact, folding on top of the machine gun, like the experimental AO-46 machine gun.
It can be noted that both the general concept and individual design solutions are inspired by the most successful anti-terror weapon at that time - the German Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun.
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Russia USSR Weapons Modernity Long post
A video has appeared on the Internet, filmed back in 2015, which shows a “fire carousel” of Russian Mi-24P attack helicopters of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The essence of the tactical technique is that several helicopters stand in a circle and take turns firing at an object or area of terrain. There are six helicopters in operation in the video.
The fire is adjusted from the ground - from the position from which the footage was taken, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports. It is noted that the video captures the events of 2015. The commander of the Russian group of troops in Syria, Colonel General Alexander Dvornikov, acts as a spotter.
The militants' positions were fired upon by unguided rockets.
After the training, several helicopters passed by the command post.
Source: //pikabu.ru/story/razreshili_oruzhie_ura_2835508
What is it like?
Click to enlarge
Flaubert (or sidefire) cartridge is a type of rimfire ammunition without a powder charge, in which the primer acts as a cartridge case, and the primer composition performs the igniting function.
The principle of operation of such ammunition is simple - the bullet is pushed out by the gas released when the mixture of substances in the capsule burns. The composition of substances in such a mixture can be varied.
This cartridge was created in 1844 by Louis Flaubert and was used for combat purposes. Back then, this ammunition was essentially a round bullet placed in an igniter primer. Manufactured in three calibers: 4, 6 and 9.
Photo of Flaubert's cartridges:
Since then, to increase the power of the shot, the cartridge has constantly undergone changes and improvements - the shape was changed, a cartridge case and a powder charge were added. All these modifications led to the emergence of new subtypes of rimfire ammunition. Flaubert cartridges are now produced without powder in calibers of 4.5 and 5.6 mm. Some manufacturers may add a minor amount of propellant.
Flaubert's cartridge
Let's start the debriefing with an introduction to Flaubert's patron himself.
The Flaubert cartridge is a rimfire cartridge without the use of a powder charge, where the propellant is a primer charge.
From such a modest definition it is clear that at least something ignites there, and this something is more likely to relate to firearms than to pneumatics. The firing pin hits the primer, there is a bang, and the bullet safely flies out of the barrel. For the convenient implementation of such a mechanism (the cartridge is directed into the barrel through the drum), revolvers were well suited, so in the vastness of the great and mighty you can find this type of weapon as the “Flaubert Revolver” (RF).
The caliber of the cartridge is very different - 4-6 mm. The form factor of the bullet is conical and round bullets. There are even our “native” half-gram 4.5 mm... But I propose to talk about shooting efficiency separately.
Weapon chambered
The following types of weapons are designed for this type of ammunition:
These cartridges are mainly used in revolvers with a short or long rifled barrel.
The power of revolvers and pistols chambered for Flaubert is 7.5 J. The speed of the bullet is in the range of 160-215 m/s and completely depends on the model of the weapon. “Flaubert” revolvers and rifles of the following brands have gained particular popularity:
- Magnum (Magnum);
- Alfa (Alpha);
- Schmeisser (Schmeisser);
- Safari (Safari);
- Weihrauch (Weyrauch).
Classification and laws
Covering this issue is a double-edged sword. If you start by looking at the cartridge, they won’t understand why such a choice. If you start with legislation, they won’t understand where the restrictions come from. Therefore, I will try to show this in a complete vinaigrette, we are not offended by the mixture, if something was not clear from the first reading, you can always skim it a second time.
Let's start with the legislation. In Russia, the laws do not allow such revolvers to be certified, so our Flauberts (not mine) are in underground mode. From the CIS, the problem was solved in Ukraine, where 4 mm Flaubert pistols are in free circulation. Why exactly 4 mm?
A little mathematics and physics - the Flaubert shot speed in its pure version is generally up to 200 m/s. Approximately the same results are obtained by conventional pneumatics up to 7.5 J, which are in free circulation in Russia. But the mass of a Flaubert bullet can be much heavier than the same bullet for pneumatics, so the RF muzzle energy can easily be 40-60 J and higher. Agree, these are a little scary numbers for weapons in free circulation. For those who do not understand where the Joules came from, I recommend reading about the calculation of muzzle energy and entering the values manually.
Ukraine tried to assess the situation correctly and limited the permissible caliber to four millimeters. I suggest looking at an example of such a typical cartridge:
Pay attention to the mass of the bullet - 0.5 g, similar to our pneumatics. The primers of such cartridges in their pure form allow speeds of up to 170 m/s, and in practice even lower. In total, the muzzle energy of such a revolver will be no more than 7.5 J, which is similar to the muzzle energy of free-flow pneumatics. It is to this class that the Ukrainian authorities equated the Russian Federation, giving them life.
But laws only work well under ideal conditions. In practice, even the most tired and inexperienced amateurs can add something hotter to such cartridges. The presence of gunpowder, of course, pushes the figure beyond the unlicensed 7.5 J, turning the revolver into an illegal firearm. Of course, air rifles and pistols can also be tuned to increase power, but tinkering with them will be much more difficult. Just think what will happen if the Russian Federation falls into the hands of Russian homemade products on a free basis.
A short conclusion on this section - this is a prohibited thing in our country, but interesting.
Are the Flaubert cartridge and weapons for it allowed in Russia?
Formally, weapons chambered for Flaubert have energy comparable to that of pneumatic weapons up to 0.5 J/mm*2 and, accordingly, do not require licensing or permission, since they are not firearms.
But neither such a cartridge nor weapons for it are certified in Russia, and accordingly, the circulation of such weapons is prohibited at the legislative level. It follows from this that permission is not issued for them.
It is impossible to predict the outcome of the examination. The expert will carry out a series of verification activities, following which he will issue his opinion on the safety of using such a cartridge or weapon.
If the weapon was converted into a combat weapon or gunpowder was added to the cartridges, then this makes such a reinforced kit a firearm, and therefore its use is illegal.
If a criminal case for violation of the law “On Weapons” is initiated and brought to court against the owner of a Flaubert cartridge or a weapon for it, then the judge will only need to see that this type of weapon or cartridge is not in the state cadastre to pronounce a guilty verdict.
Expert opinion, even if it is approving, is often not taken into account. Do not use Flaubert cartridges or weapons chambered for them, as this is a violation of Russian law.
Documents, licenses and permits for pneumatics
If you are wondering whether you need a permit for pneumatic weapons and what documents are needed for pneumatic weapons, then first you should decide what you plan to use. If the bullet caliber is 4.5 mm or less, or the bullet speed is less than 100 m/s, then no documents are required. And if you plan to become the owner of a weapon of a larger caliber and with a higher bullet speed (only under both conditions), then first you will have to obtain permission to purchase, and then to store and carry pneumatic weapons.
For the purchase of air rifles and pistols (with a caliber of more than 4.5 mm and a speed of more than 100 m/s). You must contact the licensing system department of the district administration of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and submit the following documents:
- medical certificate (form 127 - region) to obtain a permit (license) for an object of the licensing system
- receipt of payment for services for issuing a permit
- 4 photo cards 3x4 cm
- photocopy of passport data
- certificate of no criminal record
- completed application card
- application addressed to the head of the RU Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for the issuance of a permit
Pneumatic weapons with a caliber greater than 4.5 mm and a speed exceeding 100 m/s are prohibited from being sent by mail!
Law of Ukraine on pneumatic weapons
Unfortunately, there is no single law of Ukraine on pneumatic weapons. However, there is no uniform law on weapons in general. There is a Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers “On the licensing system”, there are several orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, most of which are internal and not intended for free use, and there is also Art. 174 CCAP and articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. But all this still needs to be sorted out.
Is it possible to buy a pistol chambered for Flaubert in Russia?
The weapons law clearly defines the types of weapons according to the method of using the destructive element. If we talk about short-barreled and long-barreled weapons, then in a trivial classification they can be divided into three types: gas, pneumatic and firearms. A significant factor in this division is the source of energy under the influence of which the bullet flies out.
Examples of weapons
To be honest, I have never found a pneumatic gun that shoots Flauberts. If anyone sees something like this, they can share it. The scheme, of course, will be non-standard: a standard bullet flies under the influence of gas and hits the firing pin, which correctly engages the primer and sends another bullet to a long barrel... In general, it would be informative to see interesting options connecting flaubers with pneumatics.
Here we’ll just get acquainted with representatives of weapons based on the Flaubert cartridge in foreign stores.
Profi 4.5
A typical revolver on the market made in Kharkov (!!!).
Caliber | 4 mm |
Revolver weight (without cartridges) | 0.82 kg |
Width | 37 mm |
Height | 116 mm |
Trunk | steel 6 grooves |
Barrel length | 112.5 mm |
Drum capacity | 9 rounds |
Effective firing range | 1-10 m |
Bullet flight speed at a distance of 3.5 m from the muzzle of the barrel | 180±10 m/s |
Muzzle energy | 7.5 J |
Sights | sighting bar |
Trigger mechanism | steel |
Drum | steel |
Price | 5000 rub. (approximately) |
PMF-1
A replica of a Makarov pistol was also found. No matter how they mocked him, this, in my opinion, is an extreme measure.
The toy costs about 9,500 rubles. The standard and familiar magazine, similar to the same MP-654k, has a built-in non-removable (!!!) drum for 5 rounds of Flaubert. After shooting, the shooter will have to remove each fired capsule with a cleaning rod (!!!). For some reason, after this, 654 instantly grew in my eyes, and Umarex’s macaroni replica with a blowback wins here even with the most blind eye.
For anyone interested in this little thing, I sincerely recommend watching the following video. You will learn a few more eye-opening moments that I will not mention in the text:
Original cartridge
Not a single paragraph of the article of the law, which lists all types of weapons, includes a revolver or pistol chambered for Flaubert. In Russia, this type of cartridge has not become as popular as in European countries. Even in Ukraine they produce such models of revolvers. Some experts classify the Flaubert pistol as an intermediate model between traumatic and pneumatic.
- Firstly, Flaubert only invented the cartridge, so the gun cannot be named after him.
- Secondly, the principle of converting energy and transferring it to a bullet is completely different from that of a traumatic or pneumatic weapon.
In some English-speaking countries, the Flaubert cartridge is known as the .22 CB (.22 BB Cap Flobert).
A distinctive feature of this cartridge is the absence of a powder charge. The primer contains a flammable compound, but it does not ignite the gunpowder. When it burns, the expanding gas pushes the bullet out. This system is called rimfire.
Rimfire cartridges are a more general concept. Gunpowderless ammunition was first invented and later patented in 1845. The idea belongs to the French gunsmith Louis Flaubert. The bullet is built into a primer, which simultaneously serves as an igniter and a cartridge case.
At first, such cartridges were produced only in 9 mm caliber. Then gradually the range of sizes began to expand. Weapons chambered for Flaubert, like the cartridge itself, gained popularity all over the world; they differed from alternative weapons in terms of reliability, relatively inexpensive cost, and low noise level of the shot.
Flaubert cartridges in Russia were initially sold under a different name. They became famous as Monte Cristo cartridges. Now the most common cartridge of such a system has a caliber of 5.6 mm. It was developed back in 1888. A real rimfire combat cartridge with gunpowder in the case was created on the basis of the Flaubert cartridge.
Flaubert cartridge bullets have a spherical or conical shape. Both types of bullets have become widespread; they are produced in calibers of 5.6 mm, 4.5 mm and 4.2 mm. In Czech-made cartridges, 4.2 mm caliber bullets contain 0.01 g of gunpowder.
Flaubert's pistol is not the best means of self-defense. Its cartridges acquire a relatively low muzzle velocity. The figure of 210 m/s is typical for conventional pneumatics. But in terms of energy indicators, this weapon is superior to pneumatic weapons due to the greater mass of the bullet. As a result, the shot energy reaches 40-60 J. But this energy is not enough to ensure automatic jerking of the shutter. In this regard, most models are made in the form of revolvers or pistols with a manual shutter.
Since, according to its purpose, an average pneumatic can completely replace a Flaubert weapon, the use of the latter is reduced only to recreational shooting and self-defense (certain models are designed specifically for this). Due to the almost complete absence of a muzzle flame, characteristic of real firearms, combat weapons, and even traumatic weapons, the sound of a shot allows the pistol to be used indoors (a shooting range). Weapons chambered for the described cartridges are often used against rodents.
Is it possible to buy a 4 mm flaubert cartridge in the Russian Federation?
Ammunition from German and Czech manufacturers is interchangeable. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. Thus, German copies are not suitable for the Czech-made Kora Brno revolver. It only requires the appropriate Flaubert cartridge. What does it mean? Some weapons are designed only to fire “native” ammunition. Thus, Kora Brno is “sharpened” only for Czech cartridges. The same can be said about the German ME revolver: only domestic products can be used for it.
1. Drawing the weapon from the holster in the aiming position. This action is different for a pistol and a revolver. The pistol still needs to be chambered with a cartridge. In a revolver, everything is much simpler. I, like my fellow officers, believe that a revolver is much more convenient in the event of a quick unexpected contact.
A serious drawback of the revolver is the small number of cartridges in the cylinder. If the cartridge is already in the chamber, then the pistol receives a serious advantage. For me, it was the skill of chambering a cartridge, in general, that became the main problem in shooting a pistol.
2. Practicing the descent. A revolver trigger is different from a pistol trigger. Good revolver trigger skills outweigh pistol trigger skills.
But a combat pistol has a peculiarity - the recoil and volume are so much stronger than that of the RF that at first you have to deal with a typical mistake - waiting for a shot. Therefore, even if you have mastered the RF descent well, it is worth practicing well to avoid trigger failures, which happen when waiting for a shot.
3. Some elements of the safety rules. Despite the fact that the Russian shooting community conscientiously takes care of safety during training and competitions, at a shooting range with combat pistols you will encounter much stricter rules. In the event of your careless handling of the Russian Federation, you will only receive a remark, and it is possible that your incorrect actions will go unnoticed altogether (especially at a forest training ground), but the combat weapons instructor simply will not allow you to handle the weapon carelessly.
Today, the sale of Flaubert cartridges and weapons for them is permitted in this country. Those with a caliber of 4 mm are especially in demand. This popularity is due to the absence of the need to obtain special permission to carry and use it. The simplicity of the design also attracts buyers. Among other things, both weapons and ammunition have a price that is much lower than other products of this kind. Its main advantages also include safe use for the owner, ease of operation and easy learning to shoot.
As you know, one of the most important characteristics of any weapon is the firing range. The Flaubert cartridge was not originally intended for this, but over time, some manufacturers of the mentioned ammunition decided to please their customers. Without thinking twice, they made a small modernization of this projectile, equipping it with an additional (albeit insignificant) charge of gunpowder. Ammunition with improved characteristics is simply called: reinforced Flaubert cartridge. Thus, products of a Czech company under the Sigal trademark have recently appeared on the arms market. These powerful Flaubert cartridges have the following advantages:
- The manufacturer has strengthened the pyrotechnic charge, so its power has increased by about 20%.
- The new ammunition is almost universal. It is suitable for almost all types of weapons designed to fire such cartridges.
Their cost is not much higher than other types of similar shells. But we must remember that these units can be even more dangerous than ordinary ones. Some home-grown craftsmen manage to strengthen Flaubert's cartridges on their own. They try to add gunpowder to the cartridge case. But such experiments are very dangerous and are prohibited by law. The most “harmless” method of strengthening is to “nail” this ammunition. If you hit the bullet lightly when it is standing on a flat and hard surface, you can increase its speed to 220 m/s. But! This Flaubert cartridge (reinforced) can only be used for shooting from a pistol made of durable steel, and not of alloys.
Many novice shooters do not know which revolver chambered for the Flaubert cartridge should they buy? This is due to the fact that over many decades this type of ammunition has been greatly modified. The first cartridges of this type, produced in the USA and Europe, had only one caliber - 9 mm. Weapons chambered for Flaubert were quite easy to find at that time. Subsequently, in 1888, these ammunition were modernized in America. It was then that they received their modern appearance. Today they are produced only in European countries. In this case, cartridges can have the following calibers: 4 mm and 5.6 mm. As a rule, their bullet is spherical, although specimens with a conical (conical) “filling” can also be found on sale.
Despite the fact that the ammunition in question is not considered a firearm as such, the Flaubert cartridge, the price of which is about 20 rubles per piece, is not legally sold in Russia. Certification and their distribution on the territory of our country are legally hampered by the lack of an appropriate legislative framework. But almost anyone can purchase the mentioned units in several specialized online stores. These shells are sold in boxes of 100 or 200 pieces.
Although, according to Russian law, Flaubert cartridges cannot be sold freely, they remain one of the lowest-power ammunition. When leaving the barrel of a revolver, the bullet has an initial speed that rarely exceeds 200 m/s. In terms of its power, it can be equated to the ammunition of medium air rifles. The only significant argument against their free sale is that the mass of the said bullet significantly exceeds a pneumatic projectile. Because of this, it can reach an energy of 60 J, which in itself, if handled incorrectly or carelessly, can lead to significant injuries.
Since this type of ammunition was discontinued in the USA back in the 40s of the twentieth century, their cost in this country is quite high. Thus, a pack of cartridges (100 pieces) will cost an American shooter about $25. In Europe their prices are slightly lower.
Legislative problems
In Russia, this type of ammunition and weapons for it are very rare. In Ukraine, the use of such units is allowed, so many residents of the Russian Federation purchase a revolver chambered for Flaubert and the “filling” for them in this country. However, it should be remembered that storing them can lead to serious troubles. Since the circulation of this type of weapon is not legalized in Russia, such a purchase is fraught with problems with law enforcement agencies.
Such a small thing, and sometimes larger ones, which was born in 1849, to be completely precise, the patent was issued in 1849, and the birth of the cartridge could have been earlier.
The calibers of Flaubert's cartridges are different, the first were 9mm. There is one in .22, there is one like pneumatics in 4.5mm, there is even one in 4.2mm. We know that the .22 short was created based on the Flaubert cartridge.
Legality of Flaubert's weapons in Russia
As such, weapons chambered for Flaubert do not pose a danger to human life or health. A small caliber coupled with relatively low energy will not be able to cause significant harm to a living target (except small rodents). In the countries of the former USSR, free circulation of this type of weapon is defined. Moreover, it is not considered a firearm.
Flaubert's weapons and ammunition are prohibited in Russia. You cannot legally buy them even after licensing. The reason lies in the fact that the law does not say anything about such weapons, so they do not have the necessary certification.
If a citizen attempts to buy, store or sell Flaubert's weapon, he will be held administratively liable. Practice shows that there have been cases of criminal prosecution.