Blank cartridge

Blank cartridges are ammunition designed for so-called blank-firing weapons (commonly referred to as gas pistols, blank guns, and starter pistols). Synonyms for blank cartridges include signal cartridges, sound cartridges, blank rounds, expansion cartridges, starter cartridges, and acoustic cartridges. Slovak firearms and ammunition law generally refers to blank ammunition as "nábojky," which consist of a cartridge case, a primer, and a propellant charge. Blank cartridges, however, do not contain a bullet (projectile).

What Are Blank Cartridges Used For?

When fired from a blank-firing weapon, a blank cartridge produces a loud sound effect similar to a shot from a real firearm, accompanied by a visual effect in the form of a brief muzzle flash. They are therefore particularly suitable for:

• Deterrence and intimidation as a means of defence against a person or animal.
• Starting races as a starting signal.
• Film and theatrical purposes.
• Launching signal flares from certain models of blank-firing weapons.

Blank Cartridges by Calibre

Several calibres exist within the range of blank cartridges, the most common being:

• 6 mm – within the 6 mm blank cartridge category, several types exist, such as 6 mm Flobert Knall (also referred to as starter cartridges) or .22 Long Blank.
• 8 mm – a less widespread blank cartridge suitable for certain smaller blank-firing and alarm weapons, commonly designated as 8 mm P.A. Knall.
• 9 mm – the most widely used blank calibre, within which a distinction is made between the pistol type (9 mm P.A. Knall) and the revolver type (9 mm R Knall).

Blank Cartridges by Weapon Type

In the case of 6 mm (.22) and 8 mm blank cartridges, it generally does not matter whether they are intended for a pistol or a revolver, as their use is universal. However, with 9 mm blank cartridges it is important to distinguish whether they are intended for a pistol (with a magazine) or a revolver (with a cylinder).

• Pistol 9 mm blank cartridges are most commonly designated as 9 mm P.A. Knall (P.A.K.).
• Revolver 9 mm blank cartridges are designated as 9 mm R Blank, 9 mm R Knall, .380 R Blank, or 9 x 17 R Blank.

What to Watch Out for When Choosing Blank Cartridges?

When selecting blank cartridges, particular attention should be paid to:

• The correct calibre.
• The pistol or revolver type of blank cartridge, especially in 9 mm calibre.

If an unsuitable calibre or type of blank cartridge is selected, the weapon will not function at all.

How Can Blank Cartridges Be Acquired?

In accordance with Slovak Act No. 190/2003 Coll. (on firearms and ammunition), blank cartridges may be acquired by any person over the age of 18, without the need for special permits or other documents. For customers from countries other than the Slovak Republic, we recommend verifying the possibilities and conditions for acquiring and possessing such ammunition in their own country.

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