600.2951 “Approved signaling device” and “pistol” defined; use of approved signaling device; strict liability for damages; exception.
Sec. 2951. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Approved signaling device” means a pistol that is a signaling device approved by the United States coast guard under
regulations issued under 46 USC 3306 or under 46 USC 4302, or predecessor statutes, and including, but not limited to, 46 CFR parts 160 and 161.
(b) “Pistol” means a firearm, loaded or unloaded, 26 inches or less in length, or any firearm, loaded or unloaded, that by its construction and appearance conceals it as a firearm.
(2) A person who uses an approved signaling device shall be strictly liable for any damages caused to person or property by that use unless the person reasonably believes that its use is necessary for the safety of himself or herself or of another person on the waters of this state or in an aircraft.
History: Add. 1982, Act 186, Eff. July 1, 1982;Am. 2012, Act 244, Eff. Jan. 1, 2013.

From the Michigan.gov site. It is designated as a pistol. Not being paranoid, just trying to save someone possible grief. You can always just swap it out for the pop-flares, which look like road flares, and are not classifies as pistols.

I thought only the old school metal guns were considered weapons as they could fire shot gun shells. The plastic ones cannot.

False.
You may carry an approved signaling device ON YOUR BOAT (flare gun), it must be cased and unloaded.

The law is written to allow boaters to signal for help, yet to prevent morons from having flare gun shoot-outs.

The citation listed is not the penal code, refer to 750.231c for applicability regarding sale/use/possession of flare guns.

Also, if the pop-flares fire a projectile by means of gas or powder and are greater than .177 caliber, they are still a firearm by strict definition. If they are shorter than 26", they are still a pistol. If they meet the USCG standards and are possessed in compliance with MCL 750.231c, they are classified as an approved signaling device. If you point one at somebody in a drunken, crazy fit of rage, it's basically a zip-gun, and you're going to jail for felonious assault. Darn legislators thought of everything....

This^

If stored/used properly you have nothing to worry about at all.

Thanks for the clarification. I was going from what I was told and what I could find. So basically, on your boat is ok. At home is ok. Everywhere else it's treated like a firearm including transporting.

Flare guns are not considered firearms... Or you wouldn't be able to buy a flare gun kit at west marine, as they are not an FFL holder.

Please explain how I can buy a muzzleloader without a background check from Walmart.

It's black powder and it doesn't use a cartridge.

But is it not a firearm?