I went to a local marina to purchase replacement flares for my gun as they are nearing expiration and the salesperson asked if I boat in Michigan. They informed me that Michigan considers flare guns to be firearms. If you do not have a carry permit you cannot have a flare gun. I do have a permit, but I did have the flare gun in my boat, in their waters, many times without being aware of this. I can imagine some other people that do the same thing and don't have a permit. Seems like a crappy way to get a weapons charge. I looked it up, here's what I found. Good thing they have reciprocity with most states. This may have been brought up before, but I didn't see it in any simple searches so I thought I would post.

http://www.michiganinbrief.org/editi...FirearmReg.htm

Lol wow seems like a idiot made this law.

Firearm, as defined by MCL:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fdq...0AND%20defined

Special attention to the words "weapon" and "dangerous projectile".

Here's the part that lets you carry an "approved signaling device" (flare gun)-

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(fdq...e=mcl-750-231c

Don't have it loaded, and keep it cased until needed.

Flare guns are like pocket knives, or a brick.... They CAN be a weapon- if the intent is to provoke alarm or cause injury, it's a felonious assault case. Other than that, nobody cares. Unless you run a charter boat, then the flare gun is a no-go under MI DNR rules.

I think you're paranoid. Don't be a prick, retard, dumbass, or general ******* and the cops won't know if you're carrying a flare or an RPG.

From Michigan.gov FAQ http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7...0953--,00.html

"6. Is a flare gun used as a signaling device on a watercraft required to be registered in Michigan?

MCL 28.432b No."


And from the Michigan boater hand book
http://www.boat-ed.com/michigan/hand...s-Signals-VDSs

"It's the Law

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).

Vessels on federally controlled waters, such as the Great Lakes, must be equipped with visual distress signals that are U.S. Coast Guard–approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.

All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
Recreational vessels less than 16 feet in length
Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
Manually propelled vessels
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel.

An example of VDSs that could be carried on board to satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements is one handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only).

It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board."

Better not be impaired. Someone will have to be not under the influence with that on board, otherwise here comes a trip to the pokey.

Sorry double post

Flare guns for self defense

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vfQwdszJYM

And some stupid with a flare gun, burnt the place to the ground.

1970's Deep Purple Smoke on the water. Showing my age.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUwEIt9ez7M

just messin trying to be funny but thought how appropriate .

First song I, and everybody else, ever, learned to play when we got a guitar.

..... well, since that song came out anyway.


Also, the guy referenced in the Deep Purple song would have been guilty of a misdemeanor, and sentenced to not more than 90 days in jail or a $200.00 fine.... You can't shoot flares off all willy-nilly, there has to be a boat/aircraft emergency.