In my last article where we discussed self-defense with decommissioned blank weapons, I forgot to mention about signal weapons, the ancestors of blank pistols, by the way, who hasn’t read, here’s an article
And so Hello everyone!
Interesting: Stone Age weapons.
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today, I will tell you about signal weapons, so sit down more comfortably and we will begin
Purpose and effectiveness of signal weapons
Such a highly specialized species is suitable only for self-defense purposes and no others. In general, the effect of a signal pistol is purely psychological. But this is enough to protect yourself if necessary.
Noise pistol "Stalker"
The main purpose is for sports and recreational shooting and mastering the skills of handling pistols. At the same time, the design of the Stalker signal pistols is so realistic and repeats the model of a military weapon that at first glance, inexperienced users will mistake it for a combat model. Polymer materials and metal alloys are used for manufacturing, which ensures excellent product quality.
The advantage of this type of weapon is its small size. It easily fits into a belt holster, carried in a bag, backpack, and so on. All models of signal pistols are supplied for sale exclusively in the factory version. Do not forget that any unauthorized change in design involves criminal liability.
Starting revolvers are considered multi-shot weapon models.
Certification and licensing requirements
A certified signal pistol, as a weapon of self-defense, is entered into the state cadastre of the Russian Federation. Regarding the permit for signal weapons. Signal pistols and revolvers with a caliber of no more than 4.5 millimeters do not require a license. Russian citizens can safely buy them without mandatory licensing.
A license to store and carry a signal pistol is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the owner’s place of residence. The validity period of such a license is usually up to five years.
Seasoned in "alterations"
The obvious goal of law enforcement is to minimize the risk of firearms falling into the hands of criminals and inappropriate people.
“There should be no blanks on the market for conversion into military weapons,” says Sergei Grinin, chairman of the public organization Civil Security. — It is necessary to clarify that signal weapons are sold freely in our country, without a license.
Formally, a cold weapon is not a signal weapon; it is a different class, but in electronic weapons stores, Kalashnikov samples are sold under this marking.
“If you cool the weapon correctly, then it is unprofitable to restore the combat properties of such a model; it’s easier to re-manufacture it,” says the expert.
The signal was intercepted
Photo: IZVESTIA/Kristina Kormilitsyna
Moreover, the depth of cooling should be such as to make any attempts to restore functionality uninteresting.
About the barrel and the will: the dangers of a randomly found weapon
You can't even keep old ammunition.
“If we are talking about limiting what can be restored, or to restore order in the drainage procedure, then this is a completely sound initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” the expert explained, making the reservation that the full official text of the initiative has not yet been made public.
Operating principle
The firing of a shot is usually accompanied by noise, which is produced due to the formation of a gas mixture from the warhead. When the detonating capsule is activated by the striker, the charge explodes, releasing chemical energy. The expanding gas forms a shock wave in the air. If a signal flare gun with a light effect is used, then key processes occur at altitude, when the chemical substances of the flare gun brightly illuminate the flight path. As in the case of smoke warheads, light rocket launchers may not produce any noise effects at all - however, today there are many variants of cartridges that implement the combined principle of operation.
Work principles
The operation of the mechanisms of the MP-371 pistol also has characteristic differences.
- First of all, these differences relate to automation. Firing from a dummy is carried out only in pre-cocking mode. Each time it is necessary to cock the hammer, while the simulator is removed from the chamber by moving the bolt. Only after extraction is a new simulator sent. Each shot is accompanied by a pull on the trigger.
- There is no automatic shooting mode. But during the shot, the shutter moves. If you watch the shooter, it may seem that he is shooting from a combat pistol.
Ammo used
The accessories for starting pistols are amazing in their diversity. Depending on personal preferences, as well as financial capabilities, each user can choose the most suitable type of cartridges . The experts themselves identify the following categories:
- Standard lighting.
- Multi-colored cartridges with extraordinary smoke effects.
- Original parachute ones with several small stars (maximum 5 pieces).
- Combined types. These cartridges, along with the light flash, emit a loud sound that is more reminiscent of the pop of a small firecracker.
It is worth noting that all these types of cartridges compare favorably with each other, since some are intended for use in the daytime, while others are intended for use at night. Original models with smoke bombs are best used on a clear day. Absolutely all types of cartridges reach a height of up to 150 m at the moment of firing.
Shpagin pistol
One of the most successful representatives of domestic flare guns is the Shpagin pistol. This is a hand-held smooth-bore weapon with which you can fire lighting cartridges. Being a reliable and trouble-free assistant, the SSh signal flare gun has a simple design and operating principle. To charge it, you need to break the barrel of the rocket launcher and install a cartridge in it. At the same time, the model does not have any special aiming properties, and its rate of fire is about 12 shots per 1 minute.
If a signal charge is used, the flight altitude can reach 120 m, and in the case of using sprockets - 150 m. Shooting can be carried out with cartridges intended for both daytime and night time. In addition to signal warheads, the SPS is compatible with incendiary cartridges and even some modifications of gas grenades.
Description
Both regular combat pistols and specially made models that are physically impossible to be used as combat weapons are used as starting pistols. Drum models are more widely used than magazine models (this is due to the simpler execution of the subsequent shot in case of a misfire).
In competitions where the firing of the starting pistol triggers the chronometers, in the case of manual timing, the timekeepers do not start their chronometers by the sound of the shot (which is what athletes usually start with), but by a flash or smoke, in order to avoid errors caused by the relatively slow speed of sound.
In order to put athletes on an equal footing, since the late 1970s, loudspeakers have been used to transmit sound to athletes' starting positions remote from the starter's location, transmitting or simulating the sound of a shot.
Variety of models
Starting pistols sold today can be divided into subgroups: standard mechanical models, as well as electronic ones, which went on sale more than twenty years ago. The first option cannot boast of good reliability . Even the most expensive pistol can misfire , which is most common among store-bought models. Experts are accustomed to using drum guns. This popularity is due to the fact that even if the gun misfires, the next shot can be fired.
It is worth noting that the electronic starting pistol looks little like a familiar military product. It gives off a bright flash of light. Due to the lightning-fast propagation of light waves, each athlete is guaranteed to see the start signal in a timely manner. To enhance the effect, high-quality speakers are installed behind each participant in the competition, which perfectly simulate the sound of a shot.
The modern company Omega produces electronic models, thanks to which you can monitor false starts and automatically stop the race. But even against the background of the rapid development of technology, standard starting pistols do not lose their relevance.
Signal type units
Today, such pistols are used exclusively to give a loud signal. The shot may be accompanied by light or sound. For high-quality self-defense, signal weapons are never used. You can purchase the product at free sales points. But there are still small restrictions. In order for the average person to purchase a weapon with a caliber greater than six millimeters, mandatory written registration with local law enforcement agencies will be required. The light-noise variety of pistols is available only to adult citizens.
Externally, the gun is very similar to a combat unit, but some differences are still present: the smooth surface of the barrel has the same diameter along the entire length of the device, there is no transition from the main part to the small chamber. Most often, a light-noise pistol without a license is single-barrel , but you can find good models with two barrels. Such devices are in great demand among tourists, extreme sports enthusiasts and sailors, as one shot can save a life.
Universal noise
This type of starting pistol is designed for dry firing. Purchasing a noise weapon for personal safety is justified. Externally, the product is very similar to a combat pistol, which can scare the enemy just by its appearance. The user can fire a shot into the air to finally convince the attackers that it is inadvisable to continue the attack.
It is worth noting that the weapon does not belong to the category of firearms for defense. Thanks to this, the buyer does not need to obtain special permission. The product is characterized by good reliability and durability.
PM
The PM starting pistol was created on the basis of the legendary Makarov pistol. It absolutely accurately copies the combat model, including its functional qualities. It is made of steel and durable plastic is used for the handle. The kit includes a standard magazine for PM.
Characteristics of the pistol model MP-371 (PM):
- caliber – 9 mm;
- 8-round magazine;
- weight – 730 grams (without simulators – 630);
- length – 162 mm;
- height – 115 mm;
- width – 30 mm;
- type of ammunition - plastic simulators of cartridges (the set includes 30 pieces).
This flare gun is completely safe. It is used to create a noise effect or attract attention. Weapons vary in configuration:
- if the simulators are plastic, then reloading is done manually after each shot;
- steel simulators completely reproduce the firing process: removing and ejecting a cartridge, as well as chambering ammunition into the chamber.
An earlier model produced at the Izhevsk Arms Plant is the IZH-SPL starting pistol. A reliable Soviet multi-shot signal pistol can be a decoration for any weapons collection. Quite a rare model made of steel.
