M-80s are a class of large firecrackers. True M-80s were originally developed in the early 20th century by the U.S. military to simulate gunfire, but were soon being manufactured and sold to the public as fireworks. Traditionally, M-80s were made from a small red cardboard tube approximately one and a half inches (38 mm) long and half an inch (13 mm) in diameter, with a Visco fuse coming out of the side. MIL-SPEC M-80s contained just under 3 grams of flash powder. Specifically "just under 3 grams" is actually 46 'grains' of a specifically pyrotecnic composition (a 'grain' is a unit of weight measurement equal to 64.799 milligrams). Such scale was common to 50s and 60s era fireworks.
Early use and legislation
Due to the large amount of flash powder contained in M-80s, numerous injuries accompanied their use during the 1950s and 1960s. Despite instructions to ignite the product on the ground, numerous users attempted to light an M-80 while holding it, and then throw it before detonation. In rare cases, defective fuses resulted in instant ignition of the device. Some users lost fingers and hands as a result. In addition, M-80s were sometimes used for vandalism, especially of mailboxes and public toilets. In part because of those M-80s were banned in the United States by the Child Protection Act of 1966. In 1976, federal regulations were passed to limit all consumer-grade fireworks in the United States to a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive composition.
Modern use
Numerous firecrackers are legally sold in the United States today under the name "M-80", but all of these contain no more than 50 milligrams of flash powder. Many companies also make firecrackers with M-xx names, where xx is a number similar to 80. Only the cardboard enclosure tube is larger than that of a standard firecracker. However, M-80s containing the full original explosive charge continue to be manufactured, bought, and used illegally in the United States. Some of these devices are unsafely constructed and can cause severe injuries. In many other countries, where regulations are less stringent, large firecrackers such as the M-80 and its equivalents continue to be legally produced, sold, and used.
Other terms for M-80s
M-80s painted silver are often sold as Silver Salutes, they are also referred to as ashcans.
"¼ stick of dynamite"
M-80s and other large firecrackers are sometimes referred to as "quarter sticks of dynamite". This representation, however, is incorrect. A quarter stick of dynamite is classified as an M-1000. An M-80 contains and exactly related proportion of equivalent explosive power: 1/50th a stick of dynamite.
References
- Fireworks Enforcement and Safety Guide, State of New Hampshire, Office of the Fire Marshall
- American Pyro Frequently Asked Questions About Fireworks