After using a blank-firing gun you should always clean it in order to preserve its value and prevent rusting of the parts. But more importantly, regular cleaning, along with the application of a thin coat of lubricant, will help to keep it working well. A dirty gun can malfunction in an emergency and fail to reload, thus preventing effective self-defense. After shooting, first remove the magazine for safety. For a pistol, pull back the slide and make sure there is no cartridge in the chamber (for a revolver, swing out the cylinder). If you are able to strip the weapon (see instruction manual), remove the slide so that you have better access to the parts. If the barrel is obstructed by steel particles, it is best cleaned with inexpensive pipe cleaners. Also clean the breech face (which supports the head of the cartridge in firing), the surfaces in the ejection port and, where accessible, the hammer mechanism. Walther Gun Care Pro Expert oil, which was developed for blank-firing guns and other heavy duty weapons, is helpful if you make sure to apply only a thin coating. It is better as a spray. Unlike other agents, which often become gummy, it keeps unburned powder residues from sticking the next time the gun is fired and makes it easier to wipe them off.
Gas signal guns
Gas signal guns, often also called blank-firing guns, are bread and butter for Umarex: The company’s first model, the Perfecta G, came out when it was founded in 1972. Today Umarex manufactures blank-firing replicas of famous models under license and sells them throughout the world, but Germany remains the most important market. For many customers these models provide a way to build collections of superbly engineered weapons without having to deal with legal restrictions, and they are authentic right down to the lettering. For other customers blank-firing guns are a legal means (depending on national regulations) of self-defense in emergencies. Whether they fire tear gas, shoot pepper cartridges, make a loud noise or just look dangerous, they give the owner a feeling of security. So it’s a matter of picking your favorite.
Pistols
What is better, a revolver or a pistol? The customer must decide. Pistols have the advantage that their magazines generally hold more cartridges, and they also have a slimmer design. A manual or automatic safety provides extra protection. However, if a pistol misfires, the bad cartridge has to be ejected manually before the next one can be loaded for firing. Umarex offers licensed models for a wide range of world-renowned weapons, each of them impressively authentic. They all have a threaded muzzle for fitting a fireworks adapter so that pyrotechnic effects can be generated safely and effectively using blank cartridges.
Revolvers
With revolvers there have been great advances in technology since their introduction by Samuel Colt in the 19th century. Depending on the size of a revolver, a swing-out cylinder can hold five or six flash-bang cartridges or gas cartridges. Revolvers have the advantage of being very safe to operate. Unlike pistols, they do not require the user to reload or intervene manually when there is a malfunction – usually it is sufficient to pull the trigger back all the way so that the round in the next chamber can be fired. And here too, a fireworks adapter (always included) can be screwed to the barrel for pyrotechnic effects.
Ammunition
Ammunition for blank-fire- and signal guns: The most used ammunition is surely the blank fire cartridges, which are filled with gun powder, but contain no projectile. They can be recognized by their green cap.
As non-lethal solution so called irritant ammunition is available as cartridges in the different signal-gun-calibers:
CS = o-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile
The cartridge contains the irritant in a crystalline state. When the cartridge is fired, the heat from the burning propellant powder vaporizes the irritant and a cloud of gas emerges from the barrel. When the irritant cloud hits a person’s face, it causes intense stinging of the eyes and tears, accompanied by convulsive closing of the eyes, depending on the concentration. Other effects include shortness of breath, anxiety and contraction of the chest. Animals, especially dogs, show little reaction to CS. CS-Cartridges are recognizable by their yellow caps.
Pepper irritant = OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) as chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis. When the cartridge is fired, the heat from the burning propellant powder vaporizes the irritant and a cloud of gas emerges from the barrel. This irritant causes inflammation of the skin, mucous membranes and eyes. When it comes into contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes it immediately causes dilation of the capillaries, leading to temporary visual impairment. When it enters the lungs it briefly interferes with breathing, but not in a life-threatening manner. On the skin it causes an intense burning sensation, accompanied by inflammation. Thanks to these multiple effects it is a highly reliable means of warding off danger. Pepper irritant is equally effective against animals and humans. OC-cartridges carry a red or brown cap to be distinguished from blank cartridges or CS.
Pyrotechnics
Umarex blanks can also be used to shoot pyrotechnic ammunition. Screw the adaptor for pyrotechnic ammunition into the thread of the muzzle and load the gun with blank cartridges. Then place a piece of pyrotechnic ammunition in the adaptor. When you fire the gun, the flash ignites the pyrotechnic ammunition in the cup and the propellant powder shoots it into the air. Besides being perfect for shooting fireworks on New Year’s Eve, signal cartridges are essential in emergencies.
Signal cartridges and rocket-propelled projectiles - technical differences.
Signal cartridges
These cartridges are propelled aloft by the gas pressure in the blank cartridges. The hot gases from the blanks also ignite the visual or percussive effect charge. Maximum ascent height: approx. 60 m.
Rocket-propelled projectiles / 2-stage projectiles
These projectiles are shot into the sky by gas pressure from the gun. The hot gases ignite the propellant charge of the rocket and create an acoustic effect. In the 2-stage projectile the propellant charge ignites a colorful effect charge. The height of ascent is limited by law to 100 m.
Regulatory information
Please note: This information applies only to Germany. The rules for other countries cannot be shown here for reasons of space and because up-to-date information cannot be guaranteed.
Care of blank-firing guns
For your research we have some care tips Find in the region (gas signal-) guns on this website frequently used, compiled and explained.