M201A1 Signal Pistol

About the M201A1 Signal Pistol

The M201A1 Signal Pistol is a single-shot, break-action pyrotechnic pistol chambered for 26.5mm flare cartridges. It fires illumination and signal flares, colored star clusters, smoke, and tear-gas cartridges for emergency signaling and battlefield illumination rather than as a conventional firearm. Built on the Heckler & Koch P2A1 design, it pairs a polymer-composite body with a steel barrel and breech, opening at the breech to load a single round. It is one of the most widely issued military and maritime signal pistols in the 26.5mm class.

Signal pistols like the M201A1 trace a lineage back to the WWI-era Very pistol; though shaped like a sidearm, they exist to throw light into the sky rather than rounds downrange, marking positions, calling for help, and illuminating no man's land.

M201A1 Signal Pistol specifications

M201A1 is the U.S. military designation for the 26.5mm hand-held signal pistol; the same break-action design is fielded by the Bundeswehr as the Signalpistole P2A1 (SigPi). Smoothbore by design and not intended to fire conventional projectiles. The P2A1 has a service life of roughly 1,500 full-power flare firings.