POTD: One of The Coolest Flare Guns – Czech CZ RV-85
Sam.S 10.24.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have one of the coolest flare guns. This is the CZ RV-85. The CZ RV-85 was an unusual 1980s Czechoslovakian military flare launcher. Originally intended to fire tear gas and barrier penetrating munitions for Czech special forces, it launched 26.5mm signal flares when imported to the US. Fewer than 1000 entered America with full kits including cleaning tools and manuals. The RV-85’s sturdy all-steel/wood construction reflects Czech quality craftsmanship. With sights adjustable from 50-100 yards and a rotary safety inside the trigger guard, it resembled a large single-shot shotgun in handling. Though just a novelty today, the rare RV 85 hints at its clandestine Cold War origins launching flares and tear gas for Eastern Bloc forces. Its obscurity and limited civilian utility add to the RV-85’s intrigue as a niche Cold War curio.
Lot 957: CZ RV 85 Flare Launcher. (n.d.-o). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved October 23, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2028/957/czrv-85-flare-launcher.
