The signal weapon is used only for giving an alarm signal, has sound or light accompaniment. In the case of being in a forest zone, one on one with an angry beast can also be used as a deterrent. As a defensive means, it is not recommended to use, since this weapon does not have a stopping effect. Although, as an effect of surprise, it might work.
According to the current legislation, signal weapons are civilian and are in free sale, that is, a license and registration is not required for its acquisition. However, there are some limitations. Signal revolvers and pistols whose caliber exceeds 6 mm, as well as cartridges of which can be used as gas or firearms, are recognized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation as dangerous to human life and are subject to mandatory registration, respectively, licensing.
A license for such a signal revolver can be obtained at the ATS at the place of residence. It is worth noting that such a document is also a permit to carry and store weapons. As a rule, its effect does not exceed five years from the date of issue. When registering, they will require a passport for the product and a license with the appropriate marks from the seller of this gun. Revolvers brought from abroad are subject to more thorough inspection, with the exception of only items purchased for collections.
Naturally, most often signal weapons are acquired by travelers, extreme lovers, sailors, etc. Such a gun can be a great gift to a dear man. Even taking into account the fact that it does not apply to combat, selling to minors is prohibited. The most popular type of such weapon in our country is a signal gun (pistol). Its peculiarity is that it looks very much like a military weapon, and the sound of a shot is identical to the real one, although in use it is absolutely harmless. But more and more often one can notice examples when signal weapons are used not for their intended purpose, but as a kind of self-defense. For example, from stray dogs or from hooligans, because, in addition to scaring off with one look, you can also shoot into the air, and his sound is very frightening.
And although outwardly the signal pistol is very similar to the real one, there are still differences. For example, its barrel is absolutely smooth, without transitions of the main part to the chamber, of a uniform diameter along the entire length. Such pistols are most often single-barrel, but there are individual specimens in double-barreled versions.
Ammunition can be the most diverse: lighting parachute, parachute with one star and a large number, with checkers of colored smoke, combined. The latter, along with a visual signal, also produce a specific sound, similar to a pyrotechnic firecracker shot. As a rule, smoke cartridges are used in the daytime, and with the presence of stars in the charge - at night. The height of the shot of all types of cartridges reaches 100-150 meters.