Flare used for fireworks??

[RobertH]

with July 4th coming along, can anyone tell me if it is ok to launch 37mm/26.5mm/12ga flares?

flare launchers are classified by the ATF as signaling devices (NOT firearms).  signaling devices have smooth bores, no serial number and shoot low pressure rounds.

i have looked at state laws and some local laws and cannot find anything.  any ideas?

[Jesse T]

Cant find any laws against it...  Though if you light something on fire, you'd probably be charged with arson, even if an accident.  Calculated risk, I guess.

[RobertH]

if you shoot them straight up into the air, the flares last about 5 or 6 seconds.  when ive shot them off at other places, ive never had one touch the ground still lit.  they burn out fairly quickly since they are kinda small.

as for fireworks, i have only found do not let anything come back to the ground lit.