For all promoting flare guns for self defense

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by SV_Galateia

What's the legality of carrying something like this, say in the Caribbean or Panama area?Attachment 241111

Gee sorry guys. I thought this was a gag photo. These things are real. Google for slingshot hunting. Special ammo too.

And please stop using the term flare gun. It is a flare launcher. Get used to calling it a launcher. Officials in some countries get jumpy at ‘gun’.

[redneckrob]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

That comment was a reply to someone else who claimed that fired at the face it would be effective. My reference to a 9mm is that if you want something to protect yourself, then a 9mm works where a flare gun does not. Some even propose adapters for pistol or shotgun ammo for use in flare guns. They should put that effort into certifying for the 9mm instead.

On being allowed or not: I only know of Mexico where it isn’t allowed. I come from one of the most strict countries on guns (the Netherlands) and still was allowed to own guns (background checks, permits, yearly reviews sure, but allowed)

This being a cruisers forum and this thread being about using a piece of cruiser kit for self defense, it should be clear we're talking about self defense while cruising. And no, you can't bring a 9mm into almost any county in the world while cruising, at best you can check it in with customs and hope it's there to pick back up when you check out. And you can't, say check in at one end of the Bahamas and out at the other, you generally have to check out from the same place you checked in. So it's a tremendous pita for something you only have use of on the high seas which except for a couple of areas is the place you're least likely to need it. And I suppose you could have it for a long cruise around the Netherlands, also high on my list for places I'm least likely to need my 9 mm.

So again, anyone talking about using flares for self defense is almost certainly going to be in violent agreement that a 9mm would be more effective, no one is debating that. It's just not at all practical to go through the effort to go through every cruising destination's gun licensing procedures, not to mention the time involved means you will have been months or years without your 9mm. Hence cruisers always shooting the **** about alternatives like flares.

[mikereed100]

Originally Posted by Group9

So what some of you are saying, is that you don't believe this really happened?

Proof once again that everything you need to know about sailing can be learned from watching Captain Ron.

[Cheechako]

Totally misses the point, and takes a long talk to do it. A flare gun is a deterrent , I doubt anyone thinks "I should compare this with my AR15!"

Then again, "yer using the wrong flare gun!"

[Nicholson58]

#32 Redneck is spot on. Way too much trouble in almost every country. You must hide a firearm and hope you don’t get caught. If you use an undeclared firearm there is big trouble. Some countries are most lenient on a very simple shotgun but still not worth the trouble. Stay away from bad places.

[Cheechako]

Interestingly, when we reached Samana Dominican Republic, our 2 buddy boat owners took their AR15's to the police station to check in. They had no issues, but the station keeps the guns until you leave.

[Nicholson58]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vfQwdszJYM

Metal flare launcher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oENEPGWkl-4

[carstendenmark]

Like Holland, Denmark is a country of no carry of weapons.
No slingshots of ANY kind, no guns, no flare launchers, no crossbows, and even not a knife, longer than 6 cm (2 3/8"). Your kitchen knife stays in the galley !

But - bow and arrow is amazingly without any limits, and can kill a deer.
The size of it may be a problem on a boat, but just replace your boat hook with that thing, and you're on !

A non-corrosive bow for 10$ =

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XofhpYmaEU

Put a boathook on the end, when not used as a weapon. Use your imagination.

If you're skillful using it, you'll never have to consider buying guns&ammo.

For blowing your horn in the fog, use a plastic 2-4$ vuvuzela.
Please - red or yellow, not rainbow-coloured ;-)
This might even scare an intruder away too - who can stand such noise ?!

[sailingharry]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

On being allowed or not: I only know of Mexico where it isn’t allowed. I come from one of the most strict countries on guns (the Netherlands) and still was allowed to own guns (background checks, permits, yearly reviews sure, but allowed)

In New York City, you will go to jail for having it in your possession. Below deck in a locker is possession. No questions, no excuses. My son in law works for a high end security firm there, and they can't get permits for weapons.

[Sailor647]

Originally Posted by JoeRobertJr

It is much better to use a can of wasp spray.

Only if the wind is at your back when you pull the trigger!

If your target is downwind, great. If your target is upwind, you may have just given them a huge advantage. lol

Inside a boat, you're all gonna get a taste. hahaha

[TooCoys]

Oh fun!




It's a d!ck measuring contest!

[C420sailor]

I miss the old style flares that were quite literally 12 gauge rounds. Allowed me to carry a 12 gauge pump for both defense and distress signaling.

[wet dreamer]

This might work...........https://www.amazon.com/PepperBall-Re...ef_=ast_sto_dp

[C420sailor]

Of note though, back when I drank (I quit, for reasons you’re about to see), I thought it would be a great idea to fire off a flare gun inside the house. For science, of course.

It burned through the carpet, padding, and nearly all the way through the 3/4” plywood subfloor.

I would not want to shoot one off inside a non-steel vessel.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Indeed, a well done myth-busting!

However, he did not address the issue of the larger 25mm flare guns that are available. They would possibly be more effective... possibly not, I sure don't know. But I also recall that some aftermarket folks were selling a steel barrel insert for those guns that would accept proper shotgun shells (don't remember the gauge). Such might improve the safety issue, but again I lack any expertise to evaluate... I'm not a gun person, just curious!

Jim

I'd like to see the movie posted each time the subject comes up. However a sleeve for the barrel might make sense. 20ga. would be a good deterrent at close range.