British Ordnance Collectors Network
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One for the shotgun cartridge collectors - legal status of flares
- Thread starter SCJB
- Start date
Flare guns are specifically excluded from Section V (prohibited weapons) as is the ammunition, however it would be wise to check with your local Police and clarify this..
As to collecting live pyrotechnic rounds, my view would be that this is unwise. Pyrotechnic compounds are the most unstable of all ammunition compounds, usually consisting of an oxidiser and a metal dust or metallic salt. They are particularly prone to generating hydrogen if the contents become damp, which can swell the container and potentially be a source of spontaneous ignition. Although this class of ammunition has a low explosive hazard, it could become a fierce source of ignition which would be difficult to put out, and possibly generate a large quantity of toxic fumes.
Many pyrotechnics are contained in light alloy cases which are also prone to corrode if they come in contact with the contents..
As to collecting live pyrotechnic rounds, my view would be that this is unwise. Pyrotechnic compounds are the most unstable of all ammunition compounds, usually consisting of an oxidiser and a metal dust or metallic salt. They are particularly prone to generating hydrogen if the contents become damp, which can swell the container and potentially be a source of spontaneous ignition. Although this class of ammunition has a low explosive hazard, it could become a fierce source of ignition which would be difficult to put out, and possibly generate a large quantity of toxic fumes.
Many pyrotechnics are contained in light alloy cases which are also prone to corrode if they come in contact with the contents..
Hi, many thanks for the reply. I understand the issues relating to old pyrotechnics, as I collect vintage fireworks which are not inert. I'm not interested in collecting live ammunition, just wanted to clarify the legal position in the UK.
The guns and ammunition may not be sect 5 but I don't think collectors can hold live flare ammunition and guns have to be deactivated to old spec? I know they didn't have to be upgraded to new spec. I think the original post was asking this question of where the ammunition stands in a legal way.
I know you can own live shotgun carts without a shotgun certificate. Just can't sell them.
Clarification on this in the UK would be great.
Cheers T
The guns and ammunition may not be sect 5 but I don't think collectors can hold live flare ammunition and guns have to be deactivated to old spec? I know they didn't have to be upgraded to new spec. I think the original post was asking this question of where the ammunition stands in a legal way.
I know you can own live shotgun carts without a shotgun certificate. Just can't sell them.
Clarification on this in the UK would be great.
Cheers T