So, I was tinkering at the idea of an underbarrel flare launcher. Would the rails be strong enough to support the wieght of the launcher? Some of you are probably thinking why? why not?

Why not! You've got to post the pics. The rails should be strong enough they are weapon grade polymer after all. If the rails where not strong enough S&W would have warned you against placing items like froward grips on the weapon.

It's your 15-22. Do whatever you want to it that will make you happy. Just make sure to post up pics of the results for the rest of us.

I highly doubt a S&W materials engineer considered that someone would want to hang a flare launcher off a reinforced polymer rail.

Lawyers maybe...

where would search for a flare launcher?

hahaha sounds fun! But I think when your at the point of thinking about putting a grenade/flare launcher on a 15-22 its time to consider a real AR-15!!!

my local gun shop here has 6 differnt types in stock on display

So as I was looking at the prices of a launcher I came up with the thought of making my own. It couldn't be that hard? Anybody know of any parts schematics or diagrams of a m203, m320, or something else? I came up with the idea of blocking the muzzle of the tube and use the launcher as a display piece/toy. Sorta like a fake suppressor. Any ideas on how to make would be great!!

I have a bad feeling about this. To me, it's like witnessing the exact cause of a chain-reaction failure.

jsha.22lr, I don't want to discourage you (or anyone) from using their skill & ingenuity to fabricate a part.

What I'm about to write will sound harsh. I don't intend it to be. I just do not want a fellow firearms enthusiast to get hurt or get into legal trouble.

I guess I must be getting old because these are some of questions my level of common sense brings to mind

1. Have you done the research into flare launcher construction? Asking random strangers on an internet forum that is not dedicated to flare launchers is not a good idea. I suggest you go and examine a flare launcher and pay attention to it's construction details. In the end, it's your responsibility to find the credible information. (The issue of being able to discern credible v.s. non-credible via critical thinking is a subject on it's own.)

2. What is your skill level? Are you mechanically inclined? Do you have welding skills or experience in metal fabrication? Do you work in any of the trades where one skill can be related to another trade? Do you have access to anyone who has the requisite background or skills who is willing to teach you?

I know guys who have the skill to weld aluminum perfectly. I know guys who can't loosen a nut from a bolt.

3. What type of force, back-flush, heat, etc will the launcher, mount, & your rifle have to withstand?

4. Is it even legal to perform the proposed modification on your 15-22? I would check Federal law, State/County/Local laws and ordinances. Will the addition of a flare launcher push your 15-22 into the NFA class firearms? Are there ATF permits & tax stamps required? I don't know.

There are little nuances to firearms laws that can get a firearms enthusiast into trouble. For example, an AR 15 pistol. Mount a vertical fore grip & that AR 15 pistol is illegal and can get you time in club fed. Mount a MagPul AFG, and that is legal.

5. Setting aside the legal question, is it appropriate to launch a signal flare in your area? What type of reaction will your signal flare cause? Do you live in a sparsely inhabited area where no one will see it? Do you live in a region where a signal flare draws immediate attention and treated as a call for emergency help?

6. To the uninitiated, a 37mm weapon mounted flare launcher can be misconstrued to be a grenade launcher. Do you want to deal with the hassle that this can possibly generate? A flare/grenade launcher is something that the average citizen doesn't see often, and can cause unease. Enough unease to call local law enforcement.

Even blocked off as an inert display to mount on your 15-22 can possibly draw the wrong attention.



37MM 7 1/2 INCH FLARE LAUNCHER

Now that I got all that out of the way, I feel I've discharged my self perceived moral/ethical duty.

Now if you're going just for looks, have you considered an airsoft rifle mounted airsoft grenade launcher? It will be marked as an airsoft device. You can also keep the purchase receipt handy as proof that it isn't the real deal should you encounter any legal issue. Not saying that it still won't get you into trouble.

http://www.evike.com/index.php?cPath=21_46

Japes, your not being offensive at all! I appreciate your insight and concern! I have looked at some launchers and models. I've built some stuff before but never welding. I was looking for a diagram so I could get dimensions and make a template more or less. I've looked at a air soft, but making something is more fun than buying it. Launching flares is legal in my area. And as far as mounting it, since it's a flare launcher and not a destructive device, it's perfectly legal.

If you just want to shoot flares and smoke, you do not need to do anything special. But do not add 12gauge shells internal addapter !!!
And if you do, then you would have to register your launcher with the ATF as a DD - $$$

Try this:
Havoc Launchers : Spikes Tactical

So, I've done some research and I've got a pretty good idea on how im going to build it. pvc for the tube and trigger mech, a piece of sheet metal for the trigger and for the release... still working on it

Cool man. Hope it works out. I'm interested to see your final build.