[ewsniper]

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anyone else around here is into 26.5mm launchers like I am? I bought a heavy duty Czech RV-85 launcher back when they could be had for just under $200:

These things were VERY well built. In fact, they were overbuilt for what they were intended for. This is typical of Czech military surplus from what I read. This thing feels like a break-open shotgun in your hands. It has a beautiful deep bluing, nicely finished hardwood furniture, and chrome lined bore! You even get a nice "thud" sound when inserting and removing rounds just like you do with an M79 40mm launcher.

As for the rounds, there is a wide variety of surplus smoke and flare rounds available. The smoke rounds are more of a short burst "signaling" type and not really a thick cloud of cover smoke. For the flares, there are single star types and multiple star "rain" types. My favorite rounds are the parachute illumination rounds. These will shoot a little over 100 feet into the air and deploy for a 20-30 second light time. It releases an INTENSE white light that will light up a pitch black field enough to read a newspaper! Most of these rounds can be had for around $4 a shot depending on how many you buy. I've also got into the reloadable shell casings and projectiles some vendors sell for 26.5mm launchers.

I am actually going to be placing a bulk order with a vendor soon for some assorted Czech surplus 26.5mm flare and smoke rounds. If anyone is interested in getting in on the buy, let me know.

Let me know if anyone has any questions about 26.5mm launchers or rounds.

 

[Retired MSG]

This is cool...if you see one for sale (or want to unload this one!) let me know!

 

[GSDamax]

Is that considered a "firearm" and require an FFL?

 

[Different Drummer]

I keep watching for a pistol version to come along. I would actually take it with me when fishing off shore. Would lke a Walther or H&K.
So far nothing.

 

[ewsniper]

This is cool...if you see one for sale (or want to unload this one!) let me know!

I'll be sure to let you know if I come across one for sale. I was haggling someone on another forum down from $300 he wanted for his. But, he had no problems selling it at that price. They only made 4,000 of these launchers and only about 2,000 made it in country. So, these are going to stay rare. Mine is going to be a family heirloom!

No, these launchers are not considered firearms and can be transferred without an FFL! If anyone finds one for a decent price, I strongly suggest picking one up.

 

[ewsniper]

I keep watching for a pistol version to come along. I would actually take it with me when fishing off shore. Would lke a Walther or H&K.
So far nothing.

I actually have an East German H&K 26.5mm flare pistol as well:

It has a nice lightweight polymer frame and came with the rubberized carrying case and cleaning brush. The smoke and parachute rounds literally almost stick out of the short barrel. But, it still works fine and is great for portability.

The H&K flare pistols are hard to find for a decent price anymore. IF you can find one, people want at least $100 for them. I would suggest the polish flare pistol that is a clone of the H&K but those are now hard to find as well. A good surplus steel flare pistol can be had for about $50 and is a good starter:

https://apexgunparts.com/index.php/cPath/137

 

[Different Drummer]

I actually have an East German H&K 26.5mm flare pistol as well:

It has a nice lightweight polymer frame and came with the rubberized carrying case and cleaning brush. The smoke and parachute rounds literally almost stick out of the short barrel. But, it still works fine and is great for portability.

The H&K flare pistols are hard to find for a decent price anymore. IF you can find one, people want at least $100 for them. I would suggest the polish flare pistol that is a clone of the H&K but those are now hard to find as well. A good surplus steel flare pistol can be had for about $50 and is a good starter:

https://apexgunparts.com/index.php/cPath/137

Yeah, that s sort of what I would like. Prefer steel as there is a remote possibility of an insert for when the ocassional shark gets hooked while cod fishing.