Patron Flaubert - what is this? Flaubert's reinforced cartridge

People who are keen on firearms know Flaubert's patron very well. What is this ammunition and what are they intended for? This type of ring-shaped cartridges is a capsule in which a spherical bullet is pressed.

Brief information about the ammunition

Flaubert's small-caliber cartridge, reviews of arms lovers about which in the overwhelming majority are only positive, was invented back in the year 1845. Its original purpose was reduced to training shooting. The French gunsmith who invented it (Louis Flaubert) gave his unique innovation his name. He patented his offspring three years later (in 1849). Such ammunition is not suitable for firing at long ranges, because they do not have enough lethal force. Let's take a closer look at Flaubert's patron. What is this product? In which cases is it used? His sleeve is filled with a special detonating composition (most often in this role is Berthollet salt, or potassium chlorate). Powder charge in such cartridges is absent.

Patron Flaubert. What kind of ammunition is it and what are its properties?

Such ammunition can not cause serious harm to humans and large animals. They are used for sports, target or entertaining shooting, and sometimes for shooting small rodents (mice and rats). Even the most powerful flaubert cartridges do not emit a characteristic loud noise when fired. In this case, there is practically no flame, which usually appears when shooting.

The long evolution of Flaubert's patrons

Many novice shooters do not know which revolver under the patron Flaubert should be bought? This is due to the fact that for many decades the mentioned type of ammunition has strongly changed. The first cartridges of this type, produced in the US and Europe, had only one caliber - 9 mm. The weapon for Flaubert's patron at that time was quite easy to pick up. After, in 1888, these munitions were modernized in America. It was then that they got their modern look. To date, they are produced only in European countries. In this case, cartridges can have such calibers: 4 mm and 5.6 mm. As a rule, they have a bullet spherical, although on sale you can find specimens with a conical (cone) "stuffing".

Flaubert's patron in Russia

Most often in the Russian Federation there are cartridges of this type produced by the Czech company Sellier & Bellot or the German company Dynamit Nobel. These world-famous arms brands have long proven themselves in the CIS market. The Flaubert cartridge from these manufacturers has a caliber of 4.0 mm. It is equipped with a hemispherical bullet weighing 0.5 g. Despite the general similar parameters, they still have minor differences. Thus, the cartridges of a German company are distinguished by a capsule made of a finer non-ferrous metal. On his bottom there is an impression in the form of an acorn. The products of the Czech company are made of steel. They are slightly shorter than the German ones. Despite this, the power of both cartridges is the same. The speed of the bullet when flying out of the barrel is about 200 m / s. In terms of muzzle energy, this is only about 10 Joules.

Price of issue

Despite the fact that the ammunition in question is not considered to be firearms as such, the Flaubert patron, whose price is about 20 rubles per 1 unit, is not legally sold in Russia. Certification and distribution of them on the territory of our country on legal grounds is impeded by the lack of an appropriate legislative framework. But almost anyone can buy these units in several specialized online stores. These shells are sold in boxes of 100 or 200 pieces.

The interchangeability of Flaubert cartridges

Ammunition of German and Czech manufacturers are interchangeable. There are only a few exceptions to their rule. Thus, German copies are not suitable for a Czech-made Kora Brno revolver. For him, only the appropriate patron of Flaubert is needed. What does it mean? Some weapons are intended only for shooting "native" ammunition. So, Kora Brno is "imprisoned" only for Czech cartridges. The same can be said about the German revolver ME: for it you can use only domestic products.

5.6 mm Flaubert cartridge

This munition is one of the largest, intended for civilian weapons. Some manufacturers produce them equipped with an unadorned lead bullet, which has a conical shape. Also sometimes there are other variants of cartridges of the same caliber. They are distinguished by their spherical bullet.

The speed of the bullet during the shooting of Flaubert cartridges

Although under the legislation of the Russian Federation, Flaubert's patrons can not be freely sold, they remain one of the least powerful ammunition. When flying out of the barrel of a revolver, the bullet has an initial speed, rarely exceeding 200 m / s. By its power it can be equated to the ammunition of medium-sized air rifles. The only significant argument against their free sale is that the mass of the bullet far exceeds the projectile from pneumatics. Because of this, it can reach an energy of 60J, which in itself, if improperly or inadvertently addressed, can lead to significant injuries.

Use of weapons designed for these munitions

A pistol for Flaubert's cartridge can be used not only as a small weapon. It is often used for self-defense, when the victim and the attacker share a relatively small distance. When using this type of weapon , there is a certain pattern: the longer the barrel of a pistol or a revolver for Flaubert's cartridge, the quieter the sound of a shot. In this case, it plays the role of a kind of "silencer".

Weapon selection

There are several secrets to choosing the right weapon. A revolver or a revolver under the patron of Flaubert is chosen in a special way. But his description is the topic of another article. Therefore, we confine ourselves to a small remark. So, for smoothbore weapons are best suited cartridges, in which the bullet has the shape of a sphere.

World prices for Flaubert cartridges

Since this type of ammunition was withdrawn from production in the US in the 40s of the twentieth century, their cost in this country is quite high. So, a pack of cartridges (100 pcs.) Will cost an American arrow at about $ 25. In Europe, their price is slightly lower.

Problems of legislation

In Russia, this type of ammunition and weapons are very rare. In Ukraine, however, the use of such units is permitted, so many residents of the Russian Federation acquire a revolver for Flaubert's patron and "stuffing" for them in this country. However, it should be remembered that their storage can lead to serious trouble. Since the turnover of this type of weapon in Russia is not legalized, such a purchase is fraught with problems with law enforcement agencies.

Sale of weapons under the patron Flaubert in Ukraine

To date, in this country, the sale of Flaubert cartridges and weapons for them is authorized. Especially in demand are those who have a caliber of 4 mm. This popularity is due to the lack of the need for a special permit for its wearing and use. Also attracts buyers and simplicity of design. Above all else, both weapons and ammunition have a price much lower than other products of this kind. To its main advantages can also be attributed to the owner's safe use, ease of operation and easy training in shooting.

Weapon models for Flaubert's cartridge

Today, there are several different models of revolvers on sale. They are distinguished by a simple and reliable design. At the same time, they lack a number of shortcomings that reduce their technical characteristics. The vast majority of models of such weapons are made from the latest zinc alloys. They do not have steel parts in the most critical places. Virtually all modern specimens have a significant gap between the barrel and the drum with bent chambers. When choosing a suitable model for yourself, it should be remembered that for shell-free lead shells, rifled barrels are chosen, which are characterized by the so-called "progressive step". It gradually decreases to a minimum. On sale it can be found as a signal weapon with a special kit, allowing to fire at the flasks of Flaubert, as well as pistols and revolvers designed only for this purpose. For example, modernized signaling models, such as the 9 mm semi-automatic GAS ALARM and the Walter R-38, could well be used for Flaubert's cartridge. Many craftsmen try to remodel weapons themselves, but such a "modification" can lead to quite serious consequences. That's why people who know a lot about weapons recommend buying production that has very good technical characteristics and a high level of safety. The following revolvers can be distinguished from specialized weapons:

• ALFA model 431, 440 or 461.
• Ekol Major Berg.
• "Safari".
• "Arminius".
• "Alpha".
• ME 38 Pocket-4R.
• Kora Brno.
• "Schmeisser".
• Taurus 4.
• PROFI.
• "Magnum".
• Ekol Arda.
• Snipe.
• "Kimar".
• Stalker.
• "Cesar".

All listed models are highly reliable and have an excellent appearance. They are made of modern high-strength materials. On sale there are various modifications, which differ in color, material, shape of the handle and so on. That's why even the most demanding fan of weapons can find the right product for him. Also very demanded for the shooting of Flaubert cartridges is a pistol such as CEM PMF-1.

Strengthening of Flaubert's cartridge

As is known, one of the most important characteristics of any weapon is the range of fire. Flaubert's cartridge was not originally intended for this, but over time some manufacturers of the mentioned ammunition decided to please their customers. Without thinking twice, they made a small upgrade of this projectile, equipping it with an additional (albeit insignificant) charge of gunpowder. The ammunition with improved characteristics is called simply: Flaubert's cartridge is reinforced. So, in the market of weapons, recently appeared products of a Czech firm under the trademark Sigal. These powerful Flaubert cartridges have the following advantages:

• The manufacturer increased the pyrotechnic charge, so its power increased by about 20%.
• The new ammunition is almost universal. It is suitable for almost all types of weapons designed for firing such cartridges.

Their cost is slightly higher than other types of similar shells. But we must remember that these units can be even more traumatic than ordinary ones. Some homegrown craftsmen manage to strengthen Flaubert's patrons independently. They try to fill the powder in the sleeve. But such experiments are very dangerous and prohibited by law. The most "harmless" method of amplification is to "nail" this ammunition. If it is not strong to hit the pool, when it stands on a level and firm surface, you can increase its speed to 220 m / s. But! Such a Flaubert cartridge (reinforced) can only be used for shooting from a pistol made of strong steel, rather than from alloys.

Safety in shooting Flaubert cartridges

Despite the seeming safety of such ammunition, one can not negligently take precautionary measures. Specialists-gunsmiths testify that the Flaubert cartridge of caliber of 4 m at shooting from distance in 3-5 m leaves damages of a skin with wound channels. Despite the rather low flight speed, such a specimen leads to damage to muscle fibers, subcutaneous fat, sternum, ribs. Such wounds are equated to an average degree of severity. Especially dangerous lesions of the eyeball, which can lead to death. That is why it is so important to observe the safety of handling this weapon.