The Leuchtpistole 42 or flare gun in English was introduced into German service in 1943 and served throughout World War II.
Design
The Leuchtpistole 42 was a single shot, break action, smoothbore, flare gun that was a successor to the earlier Leuchtpistole 34. The Leuchtpistole 42 which was made from stamped mild steel components, was galvanized to stop corrosion and used bakelite for the pistol grips. The focus of the Leuchtpistole 42 was to reduce the consumption of light alloys, reduce reliance on machined components, reduce production time, and reduce production costs. Despite being made from mild steel and stamped components it was considered rugged and its rough appearance didn't hinder its functionality. However, the Leuchtpistole 42 was nearly heavier than its predecessor.
The primary roles for the Leuchtpistole 42 were signaling, illumination, target marking, or concealment with a smoke grenade. Later during World War II, explosive rounds were developed to give German troops a small and lightweight grenade launcher for engaging targets from close range which could not be engaged satisfactorily by infantry weapons or artillery without endangering friendly troops. Available projectiles included:
Panzerwurfkörper 42 - This was a HEAT grenade that could be used against enemy armor. It had a range of and could penetrate of RHA. It was similar in layout to the Wurfkorper 361 and used a rifled cartridge case.
Wurfgranate Patrone 326 - This was a small, breech loaded, fin stabilized, explosive grenade, with a nose fuze that was designed for short range low angledirect fire missions. It was not recommended for use beyond 180 m due to inaccuracy or less than 46 m due to the risk from shell fragments.
Wurfkorper 361 - The Wurfkorper 361 was formed by screwing a bakelite or wooden stem into an Eierhandgranate 39 which allowed it to be fired from a Leuchtpistole. A brass or aluminum shell casing with propellant was first loaded into the breech of the gun. The stem was then slid down the muzzle until it slipped into the shell casing, the breech was then closed and the gun could be fired. The Wurfkorper 361 was used for high angle indirect fire where its shrapnel would be useful. The Wurfkorper 361 was not recommended for use at less than 46 m due to the risk from shrapnel and its maximum range was limited to around 78 m at 45° because the grenade had a 4.5 second time fuze.
