If they say "pistolet" I guess they mean "pistol", unless this has been translated from English, say, and they simply said "gun".

Most oil platforms in the North Sea have a SHOTGUN onboard, anyone like to hazard a ... For lighting the flare with an incendiary cartridge. ...
forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t27135.html


Alert No 941. Unintended firing of FLARE IGNITION GUN
Following a process shutdown, the plant had been brought back online and it was necessary to ignite the flare. A Naked Flame Hot Work permit was issued for a certificate holder to fire the installation’s FLARE SHOTGUN. A first shot was fired but failed to ignite the gas plume. The gun was then re-loaded for a second attempt, however when the barrel was closed, the GUN immediately discharged. The cartridge struck the deck grating and was deflected below. No damage was caused by the discharge but the potential for harm and damage was high. The SHOTGUN was a single barrel design BAIKAL Model IJ 18E
http://www.lr.org/NR/rdonlyres/408AB633-2B03-4C5F-9D05-992AD...