Running Wet Guns

When operating in a marine environment your weapons, their magazines, and ammunition will eventually get wet. Whether it happens because of rain, sea spray, or complete submersion, the introduction of water will have negative effects, but in nearly all cases the weapon will continue to fire as long as you take a few immediate actions. If left unaddressed mechanical function will be impeded. Corrosion is a concern for prolonged exposure, but immediate conditions like the unimpeded movement of parts and freezing water can also be an issue. Fresh and salt water act similarly to disrupt a firearm’s normal operation and are both corrosive, so even if you’re on a lake or dropped your weapon in a puddle, you should follow the same procedures for ensuring it will fire.

As illustrated below, a weapon that has been fully submerged presents a major safety concern and if fired without some immediate actions beforehand may become unserviceable.

To prevent this, when your weapon gets wet immediately drain any water from the barrel by tipping the muzzle down, then give it a shake to expel water from the receivers. To assist the process you may have to slightly withdraw any round in the chamber to break the seal then hold the bolt to the rear and tilt the weapon up for a few seconds to clear the gas tube of water. This action should address any immediate issues and allow you to operate and fire the weapon as normal.

When tactically prudent examine your weapon and rinse with fresh water then dry and oil it and any exposed magazines. Attention should be paid to the groves and angles of the gun and its small internal parts including the sears, firing pin, and similar pieces that could easily seize up if left to corrosion. Modern ammunition is waterproof, with the crimp airtight and the primer sealed. A short rinse and dry will not damage it and will help preserve and ensure its function against corrosion. If the cartridge is damaged discard as the powder may be wet.

If you’re into prevention over post op cleanup weapon dry bags are an option, but the best versions, like those from Nemo that are custom fit to the shape of an M4 or M16 and still allow the weapon to fire, can get expensive. Sealing the barrel with tape or a condom is the cheap remedy, but it could backfire and trap water in the barrel if the weapon becomes completely submerged. The best way to ensure water won’t ruin or impede the function of a weapon is to clean and oil it regularly before it ever gets wet. Make sure to keep those dust covers closed too. Short answer to the question, “Will my gun fire when wet?” Yes.

For info on how to deal with corrosion once it does develop see our post
Guns, Ammo, & Seawater

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