Spent Stinger Tube shows up in a Seattle Buy-Back
It probably is worth a look at the serial numbers to see where the tube came from and how it got here. Still there is a LOT of dumb here. The talk of re-arming the launcher to full potential is like somebody turning in an AR grip or stock and noting that somebody CAN take that piece and build a whole rifle around it.
I don’t know much about Stingers to know if it is an inert training tube, or it did once have a live rocket on board. Either way this isn’t a huge deal. And if it IS a huge deal, kinda nice that Seattle does the whole “No Questions Asked” thing, right?
If the electronics in that tube were still good, and if the batteries had not eaten themselves (they have positively horrid shelf lives), and if you could somehow bypass and break a myriad of laws and procure yourself an actual, honest-to-God Stinger missile, then, yes, that launcher could probably be used to put something in the air (assuming it is not just an inert training device).
But without the actual missile, that thing’s an oversize tube, and beating someone to death with it would take a lot of effort.
Still even with a full compartment of electronics and battery power, I deeply suspect the rocket is by far the most complicated part, and the most difficult to aquire/manufacture.
I’d imagine so. Besides the explosives, it also has to fly straight and then detonate on impact. No one is making one out of black powder in their garage.
Side note, I just recently watched Commando (1985) for the first time recently and I laughed my butt off during the scene where he goes to gear up. This gun shop apparently has all these full autos for sale, as well as rockets and grenades. I can’t help but wonder if that’s what the media is referencing in their heads when they think you can just buy this stuff willy nilly.
Inert training rounds, launchers, etc. are painted blue and/or clearly marked “INERT”or “DUMMY”. For training purposes there is a “rocket” which can be launched from a real launcher. It has no warhead, seeker, or anything else except the rocket motor. It’s only to familiarize an operator with the weapon without the expense of using live rounds. Also, Stingers are disposable, one-shot weapons. The launcher tube could be salvaged and re-used, however this is not normally done.
I realize Stinger and LAW rockets aren’t the same … but our long-defunct surplus shop used to have a stack of spent LAW tubes for about $20, if memory serves. Sights, grip, covers, but essentially a piece of green PVC.
I suspect that a Stinger tube is a little more dodgy than a spent LAW, but I would overall both are only much of a threat if somebody tries to hit you in the head with the tube.
So advantage Louisville Slugger!