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Getting to know your M8 Pyrotechnic Pistol

So, you have this strange pistol and don't know a darn thing about it.  You've come to the right place then.

AN-M8 Pyrotechnic Pistol:
The pyrotechnic pistol (fig. 11) 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. The pistol consists basically of two groups, the barrel group and the frame group.

  Figure 11 thumbnail.  Click to enlarge.

M1 Pyrotechnic Pistol Mount:
The pyrotechnic pistol mount (fig. 5) is used as a holder for the pistol. The pistol is retained in the mount by lugs on the muzzle end of the barrel. The mount is provided with four symmetrically p1aced helical springs which absorb the recoil shock. There is a cushioning gasket located within the mount which absorbs the counter recoil when the pistol is fired. The cover is provided for use when the pistol is removed from the mount.

Figure 5 thumbnail.  Click to enlarge.

Preparation for use:
(1) Press up on knurled side of lock and open breech.
(2) Close the breech.
(3) Press back trigger and dry fire weapon.
(4) When pistol is installed in the pistol mount M1, this is accomplished in (a) through (d).
(a) Remove the mount cover from mount.
(b) Hold the pistol in position, so that the lugs on the barrel line up with the slots in the mount
(c) Push the pistol into the mount as far as it will go.
(d) Rotate the pistol one-eighth turn, or 45 degrees, until the mount latch on the pistol barrel snaps into one of the slots on the mount.

How to Load:
(1) Open the breech by pressing upward on the breech lock.
(2) Insert signal into the barrel through the breech, primer end last.
(3) Snap the breech closed.
(4) The aircraft parachute flare M9A1 must be loaded through the muzzle.
(a) Insert the flare through the muzzle.
(b) Stop when ejector engages the groove.
(c) The parachute flare M9A1 will not pass through the mount M1, therefore, it must be fired freehand.

Firing:
(1) Squeeze back the trigger until the pistol fires.
(2) Exercise extreme care when firing through trees or similar obstructions.
(3) When the aircraft parachute flare M9A1 is to be fired, hold the pistol firmly with both hands.  The weight and design of this flare causes extreme recoil when fired.

Loading a XM674 round.  This is the same way to load a M9A1 round.  Click to enlarge.

Misfire:
(1) If signal fails to fire, make two more attempts to fire. If signal still fails to fire, unload the weapon
(2) In the case of the aircraft parachute flare M9A1, after two attempts to fire, unload the pistol and dispose of the flare quickly and safely.
(3) For signals other than the M9A1, examine the signal for primer indentation due to firing pin. If indentation exists, dispose of signal and load pistol with a new signal.
(4) If no indentation exists, the firing mechanism may be defective.

Unloading:
(1) Open the breech by the breech lock.
(2) Pull the signal case from the pistol.

Lubrication and Cleaning:
The lubrication procedures in a and b below are important; pay particular attention to the specific points made regarding different parts of the projectors and pistol.
a. The procedures in (1) through (3) below should be followed in order to accomplish effective lubrication and preservation of the projectors, pistols, and their component parts.
(1) All parts must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before oiling.
(2) Lubrication should be careful and sparing. This is best accomplished by using a lintless cloth that was dipped in the lubricant and then completely wrung out.
(3) All excess oil should be wiped off.  Excess oil attracts grit, sand, and other foreign matter that cause excessive wear of the moving parts. This results in failures in firing and other malfunctions.
b. The specific points in (1) through (3) below must be checked.
(1) The barrel must be thoroughly cleaned after firing. Swab the barrel with a lintless cloth saturated in (CR) cleaning compound solvent rifle bore cleaner until the swabs come out clean.
(2) The firing pin and surrounding breech area must be thoroughly cleaned of any burned powder residue with (CR) cleaning compound solvent rifle bore cleaner.
(3) All moving parts must be disassembled after firing and thoroughly cleaned.

Troubleshooting:
If pistol falls to fire you have either a:

 

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