The Sturmpistole ("assault-pistol") was an attempt by Germany during World War II to create a multi-purpose weapon which could be used by any infantryman. It consisted of a modified flare gun (Leuchtpistole) which could fire a variety of grenades, including a 600 g shaped charge Panzerwurfkörper 42 which could penetrate 80 mm (3.1 in) of rolled homogeneous armor. The idea was not pursued wholeheartedly, and took second stage to the then current anti-tank rifles and later weapon developments, such as the Panzerfaust recoilless and Panzerschreck rocket.
A Sturmpistole with Panzerwurfkörper 42 being demonstrated to German troops, Russia (1943)
A Sturmpistole firing a HE grenade probably based on the Stielhandgranate 43
Leuchtpistole 34
Leuchtpistole 42
A flare gun, also known as a Very pistol or signal pistol, is a large-bore handgun that discharges flares, blanks and smoke. The flare gun is typically used to produce a distress signal.
An Orion-brand single-shot, breech-loaded, 12 gauge flare gun. Its design is typical of commercially available flare guns, with a high-visibility red casing.
A single-shot, 26.5/25mm flare gun manufactured by Patel Ballistics. It is chambered in a different caliber from the Orion flare gun.
British 1" calibre Very pistol used in World War I
A Molins No.2 Mk.5, 1-inch calibre Very pistol, c. 1940, made by Berridge Ltd.
