We’ve just received Original Czech Cold War Era Model VZ 44/81 Flare Guns with Carrying Pouches.
These pistols are in excellent to like-new condition. The VZ 44/81 is a Czech copy of the Soviet SPSh-44 flare pistol used during World War II, designed to fire 26.5mm flares. Each pistol is 100% functional. The pistols may have some light storage wear, however there are no major dings, dents or scratches.
The VZ 44/81 differs from the VZ 44/67 with the barrel break lever, barrel pivot pin, hammer shape, and grips redesigned. The 81 features checkered grips compared to smooth grips on the previous model. Most were manufactured in the 1980’s in this batch.
The included carrying cases are stamped under the flap with various markings, including the manufacturer’s date. Each case comes with the original cleaning rod, brush and lanyard and are in very good condition. The leather carrying cases are generally in excellent to like new condition as well.
An excellent example of Cold War-era craftsmanship — ideal for research, collection, or display.
For more information regarding the VZ44/67 and VZ44/81, check out this forum we found below:
https://www.gunboards.com/threads/czech-flare-gun-dating.203010/
Visit our friends at Milsurp Munitions, they make correct new production ammunition for C&R and Antique Firearms.
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6 reviews for Original Czech Cold War Era Model VZ 44/81 Flare Gun with Carrying Pouch
jertekrol (verified owner) –
I ordered a VZ44/81 for $150+ shipping in July 2025, VERY happy with it. The gun I received has got to be unissued. Bore looks newly machined, I don’t think anything has ever been through it. Action operates very smoothly. No blemishes on frame or grips at all. Light coating of cosmoline on barrel/ frame. Mine is dated 1983. Came with holster, cleaning brush, cleaning rod, lanyard. All accessories look new. Holster is suede / leather and looks basically brand new. Very cool piece, I hope to see more Cold War items like this from RTI. Shipping was also very fast.
Steven H.Case (verified owner) –
As stated. The pistol, pigskin holster and cleaning rods along with the lanyard were in new condition! What I was unhappy with was the $35.00 shipping charge. At least $15.00 over the actual cost!
JEFFREY MATHIS (verified owner) –
Wow.. wow.. wow! Looks brand new, uninsured! Can’t wait to try it out! Beyond expectations by (s)miles. TU
adamabernathy1989 (verified owner) –
Defiantly worth the money. Mine looked pretty brand new and it came with a holster; accessories, cleaning brush were worth it.
Michael Neddo (verified owner) –
This is the first time I have ordered from Royal Tiger Imports and I could not be more impressed with the entire process! The photos shown, the description, the ease of ordering, the follow up emails with receipt and shipping number… simply excellent all the way around. I ordered on April 8 and received the flare gun on April 13. The ONLY letdown in the process, truthfully, was the USPS. They changed my delivery from Sat, April 11 to Monday, April 13th due their own logistical slowdown. Had they delivered on the initial promised date, I would have had the gun in only 3 days, truly impressive!
Anyway, the gun, accessories and leather case appear brand new. There isn’t a scratch or crease out of place anywhere, and for a real leather case, that is an accomplishment! The gun was well packaged and wrapped in brown paper and in a proper sized box.
This whole process far exceeded my expectations. I would recommend this without reservation and will definitely be looking to RTI in the future for more deals I didn’t know I needed until their email arrived in my inbox!
Thank you, RTI!
Joseph Govednik (verified owner) –
My vz 44/81 arrived in new old stock/ unissued condition. A steal for $80 on sale. Probably one of the best deals our there to add to your Cold War collection. Looks like it was made in 1982 and sat in storage for nearly 45 years. The leather pouch was in as-new condition. At this price, I may consider another one, or getting one of the other models available at RTI. Thank you RTI.