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M8 Pyrotechnic Pistol

The AN-M8 Pyrotechnic Pistol was developed during WWII and is possibly still seeing use.  I know the Air Force was using them untill at least 2002.  The AN-M8 is a double-action, single loading pistol used for projecting flares or signaling between troops, from ground troops to aircraft, from aircraft to aircraft, or from aircraft to ground troops.

Photographs:
Click on a thumbnail to view full size.

Specifications:

• Weight - 2.13 lb.
• Length (overall) - 8 in.
• Length of barrel - 4-1/8 in.
• Diameter of bore - 1.580 in.
• Trigger Pull - 5 to 8 lb.
• Standard Nomenclature List Number - SNL B-33
• Federal Stock Number (FSN) -
  1095-726-5657 for AN-M8 and Mount M1
  1095-726-5820 for AN-M8 only
• National Stock Number (NSN) -
  1095-00-726-5657 Pistol, Pyrotechnic, Model No. AN-M8 Pistol W/ Mount, Pistol Pyrotechnic, M1
  1095-00-726-5820 Pistol, Pyrotechnic, Model No. AN-M8
• Manufactured by -
  Eureka Vacuum Cleaner Company

 

More AN-M8 pages at Stamped Out

Getting to know the AN-M8:
This page teaches you about the following:

• Basic components of the system
• How to prepare the pistol for use
• Load the pistol
• Fire the pistol
• What to do if a misfire occurs
• Unloading the pistol
• Lubricating and cleaning
• Troubleshooting

Please click here to go to the Getting to know the AN-M8 page.

Ammunition:
There were a number of different signals that could be launched out of the AN-M8.  Please click here to go to the AN-M8 ammunition page.

Disassembly:
Ever wonder how to take your AN-M8 apart?  This is the page that will tell you how to take an assembled AN-M8 and turn it into a pile of various parts.  If you are feeling adventurous, please click here to go to the AN-M8 disassembly page.

Assembly:
About the only thing more important than knowing how to take something apart is knowing how to put it back together again.  This page will tell you how to take the pile of parts and turn it into a lean mean flare launching machine.  Please click here to go to the AN-M8 reassembly page.

Parts Diagrams:
Want to see the innards of the AN-M8 Pyrotechnic pistol?  This is the page for you.  It has drawings and part listings for the entire pistol.  Please click here to go to the AN-M8 drawing page.  PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PLEASE BE PATIENT

More AN-M8 Pyrotechnic Pistol information:
General Overview
Getting to know the AN-M8
Ammunition
Disassembly
Assembly
Parts Diagrams PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION