Foreign Flare gun convert to .22

[RPB]

Analyzing/ thinking out loud here: opinions welcome
Something I stumbled upon recently

First thought:

Seems Texas might consider it a ZIP gun if assembled So, although "legal" per ATF, it would be illegal to assemble it (drop it in the barrel) in Texas apparently.

(16) "Zip gun" means a device or combination of devices that was not originally a firearm and is adapted to expel a projectile through a smooth-bore or rifled-bore barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance.
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/d ... /PE.46.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sec. 46.05. PROHIBITED WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs, or sells:

(1) an explosive weapon;
(2) a machine gun;
(3) a short-barrel firearm;
(4) a firearm silencer;
(5) a switchblade knife;
(6) knuckles;
(7) armor-piercing ammunition;
(8) a chemical dispensing device; or
(9) a zip gun.

On Second thought ..
Except isn't a Flare gun "originally a firearm" ?

(3) "Firearm" means any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily convertible to that use. Firearm does not include a firearm that may have, as an integral part, a folding knife blade or other characteristics of weapons made illegal by this chapter and that is:

(A) an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899; or

(B) a replica of an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899, but only if the replica does not use rim fire or center fire ammunition.

So maybe it is legal in Texas?


I mean if a flare gun is "already originally a firearm" by definition, then simply converting calibers wouldn't make it a zip gun

26.5mm FLARE Gun to .22 conversion

Applicable types of Flare guns
German
http://www.keepshooting.com/german-flar ... 6-5mm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Polish
http://www.keepshooting.com/polish-flar ... 6-5mm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Converter
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ZWA621-1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Videos
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=BUdsNB2xSbs[/youtube]
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=yPrnyc03C2Q[/youtube]

I find it interesting that if a Flare gun is a SMOOTH BORE PISTOL it isn't a:

(10) "Short-barrel firearm" means a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle if, as altered, it has an overall length of less than 26 inches.

So, a smooth bore Taurus Judge ... just got me thinking ATF letter on this product, versus ATF regs on Taurus Judge, versus and Texas law

[RPB]

Also got me thinking that since a Flare gun is a firearm under TX definition ... and no prosecutions for UCW of a flare gun that I ever was aware of, though there may have been. Hard to imagine a UCW charge for carrying a flare gun on a boat without a CHL which apparently used to be illegal (legal since Sept 1st though if concealed, due to passage of HB25)

I see no exceptions in CHAPTER 46. WEAPONS for Flare or signalling devices to indicate they are not firearms as defined
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/d ... /PE.46.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So, I'm assuming that changing calibers with an adapter barrel isn't "manufacturing a zip gun"

(If it were, a Glock 27 with a .40 to 9mm conversion barrel would be ...)

Now, I dunno if the imported flare guns have serial numbers/need an FFL transfer ...

[stroguy]

"As far as a survival situation it would be great thing to have". With flares yes, as defense weapon I dunno. I think Mr. Kodiak would get annoyed with you peppering him with .22s. I'll take the flares and a nice .357 or .44 sister.

[RPB]

"As far as a survival situation it would be great thing to have". With flares yes, as defense weapon I dunno. I think Mr. Kodiak would get annoyed with you peppering him with .22s. I'll take the flares and a nice .357 or .44 sister.

Might be welcomed in the UK/ban all guns situation
<<<<<<Now, I dunno if the imported flare guns have serial numbers/need an FFL transfer ...>>>>

You MUST be over the age of 21 to purchase this item.
No FFL Required but please check with your state and local law enforcement first!
http://www.keepshooting.com/polish-flar ... 6-5mm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.keepshooting.com/polish-flar ... 6-5mm.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In many anti-freedom countries like Mexico etc., citizens are restricted to .32 or .380 or smaller; a single shot .22 is better than a single shot BB gun when a rabid bobcat wants a piece of you..I suppose... or loaded with cci snakeshot for that swimmin' water moccasin/rattler might come in handy