M201A1 Signal Pistol
Heckler & Koch · Pistol · In Production · 1974
Also known as: Heckler & Koch P2A1, P2A1, SigPi, Signalpistole P2A1, 26.5mm Signal Pistol
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 520 g (18.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 200 mm (7.87") |
| Barrel Length | 155 mm (6.10") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Width | 38 mm (1.50") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 305 m (334 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 26.5mm Flare · primary — also known as 4-gauge flare, Calibre 4, 26.5x?mm signal, 1in flare
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Break Open Barrel, Single Shot, Pyrotechnic Signaling, Illumination Flares, Smoke Cartridge Capable
Service history
Operators
- Bundeswehr · adopted 1974 · as Signalpistole (SigPi)
- United States Armed Forces · as M201A1
Production
Production years: 1974-present
In continuous production since 1974; widely issued to military and maritime users worldwide
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch
Notes
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.
Background
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.