Pyrotechnics

Welcome to ID Paintball! Here you will find our selection of pyro ammunition intended for use with PTB-approved alarm weapons and the corresponding firing cups. Our pyrotechnic ammunition offers you the opportunity to create impressive effects and spectacular displays, whether for celebrations, special occasions or as part of your alarm weapon equipment.

Acquisition and use of pyrotechnic ammunition

The intended use of our pyro alarm ammunition is exclusively from PTB-approved alarm weapons in conjunction with corresponding PTB-approved firing cups. These safety measures ensure safe and compliant handling of the ammunition.

Pyrotechnical ammunition of class PM-I

The purchase of class PM-I pyrotechnic ammunition is permitted all year round. This ammunition is ideal for general pyrotechnic applications and ensures impressive effects without additional permits.

Pyrotechnic ammunition class PM-II

An ammunition purchase certificate is required for the purchase of PM-II class pyrotechnic ammunition. This ammunition offers advanced pyrotechnic effects and is suitable for special occasions and requirements. Please ensure that you have the appropriate permits before purchasing this ammunition.

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Pyrotechnics for alarm guns – technology, function, and clear limits

Pyrotechnics for alarm guns is a separate field with clear technical and legal parameters. It serves as a visual and acoustic signal and is not part of the actual weapon function. The interaction between the ammunition, the firing cup, and the pyrotechnic effect is crucial for reliable use. Errors in this chain quickly lead to weak effects or misfires.

Here we explain how pyrotechnics work in alarm guns, what types of effects there are, and where the clear limits lie.

Basic principle – ejection and ignition via blank cartridge

Pyrotechnic effects are not ignited directly in alarm guns. A blank cartridge generates gas pressure, which ejects the effect via the firing cup and activates its ignition delay. The quality of the blank ammunition is crucial here.

Important factors are:

  • Uniform gas pressure
  • Correctly mounted launch cup
  • Clean gas flow

Weak or unevenly burning blank cartridges result in low altitude or incomplete ignition.

Launch cup – the technical link

The launch cup connects the weapon, ammunition, and pyrotechnics. It is screwed or plugged in and transmits the gas pressure.

The following are crucial:

  • correct thread / matching caliber
  • secure fit without play
  • clean inner surfaces
  • regular cleaning

Many functional problems are not caused by the pyrotechnics themselves, but by dirty or damaged launch cups.

Types of pyrotechnics for alarm guns

Signal stars

Signal stars produce visible points of light in the air and are used for marking or as an optical signal. Color, burn time, and brightness vary depending on the model. The effect depends heavily on the altitude reached.

Bang effects

Bang effects produce a loud acoustic bang in the air. They require a clean delay and sufficient gas pressure. If the blank ammunition is too weak, the bang may occur too early or too close to the ground.

Multi-stage effects

These combine light, sparks, and bangs. They are more technically sophisticated and particularly sensitive to fluctuating gas pressure. This is where the difference in quality between good and inferior blank ammunition is particularly evident.

Caliber & weapon types – pistol or revolver

Pyrotechnics are mainly used with 9 mm P.A.K. The higher gas pressure ensures reliable firing. 8 mm is technically possible, but often achieves lower altitudes.

Pistols
  • Quick to use
  • Dependent on clean repeating
  • More sensitive with weak ammunition
Revolvers
  • No repeating process
  • More even gas pressure
  • Often more stable pyrotechnics function

Many effects work more reproducibly in revolvers, as no mechanics need to be moved.

Bird scarer bang – Class P II / PM II

An important special case is the so-called bird scarer bang. These pyrotechnic bang effects are not part of the freely available pyrotechnics for alarm guns.

Important to know:

  • Bird scarer bangs fall under pyrotechnics of class P II (PM II)
  • Not freely available
  • Purchase and use only with official permission
  • Use is usually regulated by agricultural or official authorities

These products are not comparable to freely available alarm pyrotechnics and may not be sold or used without the appropriate authorization. They are not permitted for private use with alarm guns.

Material & quality of the effects

High-quality pyrotechnics are characterized by:

  • Uniform delay
  • Clean combustion
  • Stable casings
  • Reproducible effect

Cheap effects tend to have irregular ignition, low height, or highly fluctuating volume.

Safety & limits of use

Clear rules also apply to alarm pyrotechnics:

  • Only use approved effects
  • Fire only outdoors
  • Maintain a sufficient safety distance
  • Never ignite by hand
  • Safety goggles are strongly recommended

Improper use is the most common cause of incidents.

Cleaning after use

Pyrotechnics produce more residue than blank cartridges alone. Launch cups and barrel areas should be cleaned after use and checked for damage to avoid fit problems and malfunctions.

Pyrotechnics for alarm guns only work with clean coordination of blank ammunition, launch cup, and effect. 9 mm P.A.K. is the standard; revolvers often offer more consistency. Class P II bird scarers are not freely available for sale and do not belong in private alarm gun use. Those who are familiar with technology, quality, and legal limits will achieve reproducible effects.