Will A Flare Gun Shoot Shotgun Shells?!

Published on March 13, 2021
Duration: 5:08

This guide details the experimental process of attempting to fire a 12-gauge shotgun shell from an Orion Alerter Basic flare gun. It covers the necessary modifications to the flare gun's barrel taper and the construction of a remote firing rig for safety. The experiment demonstrates the catastrophic failure of the plastic flare gun due to the immense pressure of a shotgun shell, highlighting the dangers of such modifications. The host, with high authority in experimental firearms testing, emphasizes safety throughout the process.

Quick Summary

Firing a 12-gauge shotgun shell from a standard plastic flare gun is impossible and extremely dangerous. Flare guns have tapered barrels and plastic construction that cannot withstand the high pressures of shotgun ammunition, leading to catastrophic failure and potential injury. Modifications to seat a shell do not overcome these fundamental safety limitations.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Hypothesis
  2. 01:00Safety Setup and Modification
  3. 02:06The Test Fire
  4. 03:08Damage Analysis
  5. 04:54Conclusion and Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 12-gauge flare gun fire a standard shotgun shell?

No, a standard 12-gauge flare gun cannot safely fire a 12-gauge shotgun shell. Flare guns have tapered barrels designed to prevent shotgun shells from seating, and their plastic construction cannot withstand the high pressures generated by shotgun ammunition, leading to catastrophic failure.

What modifications are needed to attempt firing a shotgun shell from a flare gun?

To even attempt firing a shotgun shell from a flare gun, the barrel's internal taper must be modified (e.g., with a Dremel) to allow the shell to seat. However, this modification does not address the fundamental pressure limitations of the flare gun's materials and design.

What are the risks of firing a shotgun shell from a flare gun?

The primary risk is catastrophic failure of the flare gun. The plastic barrel is not designed to contain the immense pressure of a shotgun shell, leading to explosions, shrapnel, and severe injury to the shooter and bystanders.

Why do flare guns have tapered barrels?

Flare guns have tapered barrels to ensure that only flares of the correct size and type can be properly seated and fired. This design prevents the accidental or intentional loading of ammunition that the device is not designed to handle, such as shotgun shells.

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