Are there any restrictions or limits re: Tracer use/ownership/possession?

legality is foremost question.

perhaps fire hazzard in super dry areas?

other?

TIA

Check local/state laws.   Using tracer (mil-spec) will start a fire in dry debris.  I have shot them into a backstop and seen them sit there and burn.

Most states do not specifically prohibit ownership of tracers.

All states specifically prohibit reckless use of tracers.

Most states specifically prohibit casual use of tracers.

To my knowledge, you are free to shoot them on private property.

So these statements are to characterize my opinion if you are caught shooting them, you'll probably be told to stop.  At the most, a ticket and confiscation.  They might even confiscate if you possess them in a prohibited area.

I have been shooting tracers from many, many years.  No one has ever said anything to me about it.  But I don't shoot tracers where they are specifically prohibited either.  Never during fire season and never in areas prone to a fire hazard.

I have never started a fire.  But I mostly shoot in the air...long range.  Yes they do burn, even when they sit there and burn for awhile, they usually go out.  Most of the time they do not start a fire.  You must always be prepared to put out a fire if you shoot tracers.  Unless you shoot in a dry, parched grass/leaves, you don't have much to worry about.  Tracers fires don't usually start in the dirt and the rocks.  Better to shoot tracers when it cool or moist.

But I know tracers will start huge fires because we started them everytime we shot them in the military on the range.  If you shoot tracers, be prepared to take responsibility.  Check your local laws.

good info and advice

Thanks

they are a serious fire hazzard, I would not reccomend them except at night when you need to show the rest of your fireteam the location of contact


in other words its a bad bad idea

Absolutely, tracers are a serious fire hazard.

But....nowhere near as hazardous as tannerite, campfires, vehicles backfiring in the woods, and lightning strikes.  And these aren't even due to carelessness.

Understand that there is a potential for a fire, watch where you shoot, wait around after you finish shooting to make sure the area you shot at is not kindling, and you won't be causing any forest fires like many other people who do using the "harmless" methods above.

I have to defend tracer because there are gun people who hate them and attack them needlessly just like there are non-gun people who attack guns without the facts.  If you just remember safety, you'll be alright.  If tracers were really that bad, the sale and possession of them would be illegal.