Tear Gas Guns and Other Specialized Law Enforcement Tools Latest Topics

35th All Thompson Show and Shoot Federal Labs Display

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 23:32:20 +0000

Photos from the 35th. show. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to meet and for some great conversations! Also thanks much to Tracie for supplying the display space.

Stay safe,

Frank

Todays find S&W 210/276

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:56:41 +0000

Really surprised to find this guy at a local shop. Super clean shape as well.

I'm selling some of my Manvilles

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:50:22 +0000

I consigned three of my Manvilles to the Poulin auction at the end of October

I'll be listing some smaller Manville items here in the coming weeks

Early Federal Laboratories Short Range Shell

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 12:13:32 +0000

96 year old Factory Dummy Round Circa 1929 with box. Cardboard wax covered casing with Eley London Headstamp.

Legality of 12 ga Manville pistols and gas guns

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:30:06 +0000

Looking for any sort of ruling that the 12 ga gas guns by Manville are ATF exempt as they cannot handle the pressure of standard 12 ga rounds

The 25mm Manvilles are listed as not DD in the C&R list and 37mm are exempt in general unless you possess anti personal rounds

Thanks

Brian

Manville 37mm Gas Shell

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:50:32 +0000

Some photos of a Manville 37mm Gas Shell, measures approximately 7.5 inches in length. Also some factory literature that was wrapped around the shell when packaged.

Manville Gas Gun Production and Serial Numbers

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:58:21 +0000

I've never seen production numbers for the Manville Gas Guns in 12-gauge and 25mm. I found serial numbers for the latter between No.787 and No.2017, which suggests a pretty substantial production for a weapon that nobody seems to have used (except for two National Guards and a couple police departments, as far as I can tell). I've even seen No.33322, but I'm assuming that's a mistake or some other special case. I haven't seen a single number for a 12-gauge gun.

So what gives? Does anyone have more information? Failing that, does anyone have additional serial numbers that would allow us to form an opinion as to likely production totals? Many thanks!

Cheers

HANS

AIM Surplus Has Early Fed Labs 1.5" Gas Gun For Sale

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:22:48 +0000

I was at AIM Surplus in Monroe, OH yesterday, and they had a Fed Labs 1.5" Tear Gas Gun for $499.95. It's an early one, serial number 433. The bore had some light rust and tear gas residue on the inside, but it wasn't too bad. I believe it may have originated from the Baton Rouge Police Department. You may have to call them to ask about it.

David Albert
dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

Federal Laboratories 1.5" Tear Gas Gun Information

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 19:25:15 +0000

All,

I bought a Federal Laboratories 1.5" Tear Gas Gun a few years back, mostly because of my interest in the Fed Labs connection to the Thompson and Reising Submachine Guns, and also because I have an interest in tear gas guns, in general. (Thus this web forum...) Anyway, I'd like to gather more information about this law enforcement tool, including the date ranges of manufacture, and quantity produced.

In the 1966 book, Tear Gas Munitions," by Thomas F. Swearengen, he states that the Fed Labs gun began production in the mid-1930's, and was still in production at the time the book was written. I recently acquired a Fed Labs advertisement from a 1933 Municipal Index, and the gas gun is included, so that puts it back to at least that year, and maybe earlier.

Here is an image of the Fed Labs page from the 1933 Municipal Index:

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/TearGas/1933MuniIndex_Web.JPG

From the excellent information in Swearengen's book, which is mostly focused from a technical perspective, the gas gun had several updates. I'm summarizing them below:

(Note: "Early Model" is a term from the Swearengen book. I have added "Very Early Model," "Middle Model," and "Late Model." These are not official terms, but are descriptions I'm using to differentiate the progression of modifications to the Fed Labs 1.5" Tear Gas Gun, which may also be known as the "No. 210-Z.")

Very Early Model: Steel barrel and receiver, only has 50-yard rear sight on breech opening latch

Early Model: Zinc barrel and receiver, only has 50-yard rear sight on breech opening latch

Middle Model: Has added flip-up rear leaf sight with 75 and 100-yard apertures, and the 50-yard rear sight on breech opening latch

Late Model: Has inclinometer sight mounted on left side of receiver, and also flip-up rear leaf sight with 75 and 100-yard apertures, and the 50-yard rear sight on breech opening latch

Here is a picture of my Fed Labs Gun (Middle Model):

http://www.sturmgewehr.com/dalbert/MGBoards/TearGas/FedLabsTGGun_Web.JPG

My Fed Labs Tear Gas Gun is serial #5165, and is marked as follows on the left side of the receiver:

1.5 CAL. FEDERAL GAS RIOT GUN

FEDERAL LABORATORIES, INC.

PITTSBURGH, PA.

MADE IN U.S.A.

So, for those of you who own one or more of these, I would like to gather the following information, if you are willing to share it here:

1. Is yours marked in the same manner as mine?

2. Does yours have "No. 201-Z" anywhere on it?

3. What is the serial number of yours?

4. Does your have Very Early, Early, Middle, or Late Model characteristics?

5. Does yours have any other unique characteristics?

6. Do you have any original documentation that might list a date of sale, and serial number?

Photos are encouraged, but if you will provide your information, that would be a great start. I'd like to learn more about this law enforcement device.

Mine has improvised sling swivels on it, which are fairly crude. They were obviously not a factory install.

Thanks!

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

Palmer Chemical Co. Tranquilizer Gun

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 23:48:17 +0000

Continuing the topic from: http://www.machinegunboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12975

I figured I'd start a new thread since we were getting onto a new topic.

I'll post pictures as soon as I figure out how!

I was fortunate enough to acquire a 1970's Palmer tranq gun from an animal control officer. It was about to be tossed in the dumpster... free stuff is best stuff!

It came with a box of refillable aluminum darts and some original paperwork. I'll post when i can, they may be of interest.

Yes Bridgeport28A1... i found three tins of brass charges. I have not counted them but they feel pretty full. I'd estimate about 100-150 without pulling them all out of the cotton. Two tins are marked for 1-3 cc and one is marked for 4-10 cc. As to whether they are firing charges or a charge that goes inside the dart itself... i'm not quite sure. They are about .22 sized. I'll get some pics up.

Manville pistol at auction

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 15:37:34 +0000

Looks to be an original holster as well

I'm not bidding as I've got a half dozen already

https://www.proxibid.com/Guns-Military-Artifacts/Handguns-Pistols/MANVILLE-R12-TEAR-GAS-SIGNAL-FLARE-REVOLVER/lotInformation/71088585

WTS Federal Laboratories Tear Gas Baton

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 01:41:52 +0000

Looking to sell a Federal Laboratories tear gas baton. Seems to be in working order and nice condition, but missing the wrist strap. Asking $165 shipped with a $20 donation to the boards.

Thanks,

Ron

Federal Tear Gas Billy Club on GB

Fri, 14 May 2021 11:57:52 +0000

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/900980267

Flare gun auction April 7th

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:52:46 +0000

https://www.centurionauctions.com/

Bunch of flare guns and some line throwing guns

Also a Thompson drum and some Reising mags

SGL/GL Industries Selecter Pistol Rex Applegate Estate

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 02:07:14 +0000

Colonel Rex Applegate was a long time resident where I live here in Southern Oregon and I would see him set up at local gun shows many a time when I was much younger. I never knew nor could I appreciate that he was a BIG deal at the time. I'm talking when I was in my teens doing shows with my dad and I am a bit past my teens now. I did talk with him on occasion but only chit chat. Once we were talking about knife fighting and his words to me were, "The best knife fighting tools you have are your two feet... Just haul ass as fast as you can because there are no winners in a knife fight!" I never purchased any of his little trinkets he had or bought his books he would sell and I have always regretted it. So at the last Oregon Arms Collectors show I had an opportunity to pick up this pistol that came from his estate. I over paid for it but sometimes the heart overrules the head.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20a_zpskv2uanmd.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20b_zpstcxavm8w.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20c_zpsgrcijdcw.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20d_zps78xgwvlu.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20e_zps0ejegneo.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20f_zpsgftdb9ha.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20g_zpsxspk7mzk.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20h_zpsphwtd5yl.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20i_zpsipxyhhp8.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20j_zpsbctlj0j8.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20k_zpsfckbcvpd.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p178/z3bigdaddy/Applegate%20Selecter%20Pistol/Selecter%20Pistol%2010.19.2016%20l_zpsyn85meig.jpg

My Manville Collection

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 13:12:52 +0000

Finally got around to taking a couple photos of my Manville items. I have all four versions of the rotary launchers (but only 3 hard cases). I should have a couple other items in the next month. Negotiations are on going

Federal Laboratory Billy Club

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 23:04:03 +0000

Hi. I have a weakness for things that are new to me, Is it possible to date this device? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Keith

WTS Tear Gas Munitions by Thomas Swearengen

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:06:37 +0000

Selling an extra copy of Tear Gas Munitions. It's a bit rough, as the binding has issues. There is also lots of staining and some damage to the pages. Still looks to be complete and very usable copy of this rare reference. Asking. $70.00 shipped.

Toyota Patent on Car Tear Gas System

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 01:37:42 +0000

Seems like this would ruin a car for the future, if ever activated during a theft, but interesting nonetheless...Toyota has applied for a patent for a system that could deploy tear gas in their cars if it detects the car is being stolen. Sounds like a potentially complicated liability issue, as well.

https://www.foxnews.com/auto/toyotas-tear-gas-system-designed-to-smoke-out-car-crooks

David Albert

dalbert@sturmgewehr.com

Federal Labs Gun Control Panel...What is it for?

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 23:16:57 +0000

I recently purchased this panel on e-Bay. It was listed as a “US Army Pre WW2 Gun Control Panel.” I got it because it is labeled “Federal Laboratories Inc.” The seller had no idea what it was and, as you can imagine, typing in “gun control panel” on Google, yields somewhat unhelpful results. The only thing I can think of is something I saw advertised in a reproduction 1934 FL catalog. It was an internal tear gas distribution system. If a bank was being robbed, or a prion riot was raging in the mess hall, a bank teller or prison guard could apply pressure to a foot pedal, and then the room would fill with a fog of tear gas (see pictures below).

Has anybody ever seen a device like this? Am I even close, or am I waaaaaay off? The panel measures 9” wide, by 14” tall, if that helps.

WTS: Assorted Vintage Gas Guns, Mannville, etc:

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 12:46:48 +0000

I'm working on pix, my cam isn't cooperating well with me

anyways, here's the initial list:

25mm Mannville, decent original condition even has most of the decal left on the frame. $2950.00

37mm Hawk. These were the updated version of the Mannville. Like new with the carry bag $2500.00

Nottingham ARWEN. Yes, a 1970s English made one. Decent shape again. Smooth bore barrel so no DD tax. Comes with the experimental Heads Up optical sighting unit, a significant number of once fired shells and the English field and service manual. These use a proprietary rimless round with a .44 blank like the current SAGE guns.

Same basic gun remains in production in Canada with a number of modifications so parts are readily available

The Nottingham marked guns are early, saw heavy action in Ireland during the Troubles, rather rare on this side of the Pond. $2350.00

Federal Labs Gas billy. Pretty clean shape. Zinc body has a pleasing patina, Leather is solid. Not all beat up. Even has a nice supple original wrist strap. Picked it off the widow of a former Railway Detective. $370.00

Czech RV85 26.5mm rifle. Comes with box and goodies, never tried it out so as new. $825.00

Here's a real rarity:

Korean Sam Yang .68 pneumatic Riot Rifle. These were built off the .50 Dragon sporting rifles for use primarily in Asian prisons using hard rubber projectiles and are actually not really very less than lethal. Like 99% over all, just a couple light mars on the stock. Best of my knowledge like 3 were imported Stateside. $850.00

Feel free to contact via PM

best

Jim

FYI Federal Laboratories Tear Gas Billy For Sale on Gunboards Forum

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:31:11 +0000

Mods I have no stake in the sale, I just thought some might be interested.

WTS SGL/GL Industries Selecter Pistol Rex Applegate Estate

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 08:18:38 +0000

I'm selling my Selecter pistol and I thought I would let "the board" have first shot before I go to Gunbroke or elsewhere. You can look at all the details of what is included with my posting that is half way down in this forum page. I want $1,200 which includes shipping and insurance to your door. A fairly rare item with great provenance.

Joined Winchester Club “351”

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 03:16:24 +0000

Picked up a Winchester M1907 .351SL Manufactured in 1949. Its a former Tennessee Police Department Piece that was recently traded out towards new equipment. The 10 Round Magazine is Factory Original to the gun.

Also have assembled components to load including Jamison Arms Virgin Brass and 180 Grain FMJ Bullets.

Should be a fun shooter this spring.

Stay safe,

Frank

H&R Tear Gas Revolver

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:14:46 +0000

Unmarked except for serial number and gas only on barrel. European?