Do Guns Work Underwater?
The debate surrounding the use of guns underwater has been a topic of discussion among military experts, hunters, and marine biologists. While it is often claimed that guns are useless underwater, this claim is partially true and partially false. In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the usability of guns underwater and explore the circumstances under which guns may work.
*Why Do Guns Typically Fail to Function Underwater?
Guns that are designed for use on land may not function properly or at all when used underwater due to several reasons. Some of the primary causes of gun malfunction underwater are:
- Corrosion: Saltwater, freshwater, or seawater can cause corrosion to gunmetal components, such as triggers, springs, and chambers. This can result in a buildup of corrosive materials that can make it difficult or impossible for the gun to fire.
• Pressure: Underwater, the pressure from the surrounding water can crush gun components, rendering the gun useless.
• Fouling: Unfired cartridges, which contain a propellant or gunpowder, may expand when submerged underwater due to pressure changes, potentially leading to misfires, malfunctions, or blockages.
• Hydrogen embrittlement: Exposure to seawater or high humidity can cause corrosion fatigue in metal components, weakening their structural integrity.
Can Any Guns be Used Underwater?
Despite the challenges associated with using guns underwater, specific types of guns have been designed and modified for underwater use. These types of guns are known as:
• Depth charging weapons: Designed for underwater operations, these weapons use different materials, such as plastic, rubber, or steel, that are less prone to corrosion and pressure effects. They are used in submarines, torpedoes, and other underwater defense systems.
• Marine special forces: Law enforcement agencies and special operations teams may use specially trained snipers and weapons modified for underwater use.
Examples of Guns Designed for Underwater Use
A few examples of guns and cartridges specifically designed for underwater use are:
• Depth charge guns: Military torpedoes and submarines, for instance, have custom-built depth charge guns with reduced-pressure chambers, and high-velocity projectiles coated with rust-resistant materials.
• .458 Lotos: Designed specifically for hunting underwater, these high-velocity, frangible bullets are engineered for deep water penetration, are easy to clean, and maintain minimal water absorption to minimize malfunctions.
Conversely, There Are Limitations and Exceptions
It is crucial to remember that even the modified and specially designed underwater firearms still face limitations:
- Water pressure and currents: Gun components, magazines, and ammunition must withstand high pressures and water flow.
- Noise concealment: Underwater operation necessitates minimizing sound detection by divers, swimmers, and marine life to prevent revealing the gun or hunter’s position.
When evaluating whether a gun is suitable for underwater use:
| Factor | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 (lightweight), 12 gauge (stovepipe-style) | Lower energy and penetration (5-15 yards) due to increased water density (8.5 kg/cm^2) |
| Design | Waterproof coatings (nitride, epoxy) | Inadequate resistance to saltwater, poor waterproof seals, and erosion risks |
| Firing mode | Semi-automatics and pump-action guns with sealed breaches | Overwater ejection and excessive dust generated when cycling or operating underwater |
Underwater Hunting
Underwater hunting for fish, mollusks, squid, sharks, or even dolphins offers conservation advantages when carried out by properly trained professionals with equipment, like spearguns and fishing nets, specifically designed for sustainable and selective extraction of underwater species. Unmanned underwater vehicles and other tools are increasingly assisting hunters and researchers.
However, some countries regulate this type of hunting or sport-fishing, citing animal welfare, habitat concerns, or economic impact on the ecoystem. Always prioritize regulations, responsible stewardship, and ensure compatibility with environmental regulations when undertaking such activities.
Do Guns Work Underwater in Specific Scenarios?
When gun usage underwater involves certain situations, gun operations become more effective:
• Clearwater conditions: Useable with modified, precision, high-velocity ammo designed for underwater operations
• Shallow dives: With specialized ammunition for piercing marine animals or hunting game species that inhabit intertidal zones
• Exotic, precision ammo: Used in marine military and surveillance operations or highly regulated recreational hunting practices. (Table 2.)
Conclusions and Reflections
While many handguns, rifles, and other weapons designed for land-based combat may not function optimally underwater due to factors mentioned, some specially designed devices for marine operations or controlled conditions might be employed, primarily by trained experts:
Marine biologists: To study underwater ecosystem and habitats, nonlethal equipment and methodologies will dominate scientific research, where underwater weapons are unlikely or ill-advised to conserve or survey marine biodiversity.
• Recreational diving: Water games and exploration are governed by dive certification standards and codes; carrying firearms, under strict rules, would maintain recreational divers’ safety without interfering with marine wildlife populations.
