CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUAL TYPES OF AMMUNITION FOR GAS (EXPANSION) WEAPONS

Several factors influence the choice of the right ammunition for gas (expansion) guns. If you want to buy the proper ammunition, first of all, you need to choose according to the appropriate caliber of your weapon (e.g. 6mm, 8mm, 9mm P.A., 9mm R / .380 R). Note that for some calibers there is even a separate distinction between pistol and revolver cartridges (e.g. 9 mm P.A.K. - pistol, 9 mm R Blank - revolver). Then you need to know what type of cartridge do you need (e.g. blank or gas). If you want to know what options the market offers, read on.

BLANK CARTRIDGES

Blank cartridges have many synonyms, you may also come across labels such as expansion, dummy or acoustic cartridges. So they only make a sound, they do not contain any defensive substance. They have several uses. For example, they are used to train dogs or they can be used to fire signal rounds (flares). However, they can also be used for defence. Just by firing them into the air you can scare off a potential human or animal attacker. The market offers a large number of brands of blank cartridges. A bit more pricey, but most popular and time-tested, are the Umarex (WaltheR) cartridges, and of the more affordable ones, the Fiocchi cartridges are the most popular. A special type of blank ammunition are the so-called FLASH cartridges. They are slightly noisier than standard blank cartridges and produce a larger flame at the muzzle.

SIGNAL FLARES

Signal flares are closely related to blank cartridges. If your gas pistol or revolver is equipped with an attachment for firing signal flares, you will fire them from the attachment using just the blank cartridges. These flares are 15mm in diameter and offer a variety of light or sound effects. They will find their use especially at New Year's Eve celebrations. However, they can also be a handy tool if you are hiking in the woods and get lost, for example. You can use them to send a light and sound signal to the sky in case of emergency, to show where you are.

GAS (DEFENSE) CARTRIDGES

Gas cartridges are designed for defense. When gas cartridges are fired from gas weapons, not only is there a sound effect, but also a tear-forming defensive substance is fired at the target. The most common active agents in such cartridges are CN (Chloracetopheon), CS (o-Chlorbenzylidenmalodinitrile), and OC / Nonivamide, which may be present in the cartridges in varying concentrations. The best known manufacturers of such cartridges are the German brands Umarex and Wadie.

• CN (Chloracetopheon)

The active ingredient CN was created during the First World War and was later used by the armed forces as a tear agent to quell riots. Simply put, it is a predecessor of the active substance labelled CS. Like CS, it irritates the respiratory tract and eyes when it hits, which can cause the attacker to temporarily lose balance and orientation. In order to achieve similar effectiveness to CS cartridges, CN is typically present in defensive cartridges in concentrations of 160 to 220 mg. The effect of CN gas cartridges, although slower in onset, lasts longer than that of CS cartridges. CN is suitable for defence against attacking people.  

• CS (o-Chlorbenzylidenmalodinitrile)

It is a more modern and inherently more effective substance than CN. A concentration of 80 mg is sufficient to produce the necessary effects (irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes). As this substance is less of a burden on the body, its effect is more rapid than that of CN, but it wears off more quickly. CS is suitable for defence against attacking humans.

• OC / Nonivamide

The substance OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) is an extract from extremely hot chili peppers. This substance is known to be a popular active ingredient in tear sprays. However, this natural active ingredient is not used in gas cartridges. In bullets, its equivalent is a so-called synthetic spice called Nonivamide, which has similar effects and potency to the natural OC extract. Nonivamide causes rapid and violent burning of the eyes, facial skin, irritation of the respiratory tract and, in some cases, even a feeling of vomiting. It occurs in concentrations ranging from 45 mg to 120 mg in the cartridges. Nonivamide is such a potent substance that in some countries of the world its concentration in a cartridge above 45 mg is prohibited. It is suitable for defence against humans and its properties make it a very effective defence against attacking dogs as well.