will bullets shoot underwater?

Question

you always see in the movies bullets shooting underwater, and i was just wondering if they could

Answer 1

I can't believe that with so many answers that no one knew that a Glock will not only fire but also function (cycle and ready to fire again) underwater.

Answer 2

I assume you are asking if a gun will fire underwater. Short answer yes, long answer no.
The cartridge itself contains an oxidizer to allow the propellant to burn in an oxygen deprived environment. The cartridge will experience higher than normal pressure due to the increased pressure of the water pushing on the bullet before its seperation form the casing, a burst cartridge is possible and extremely dangerous. Hollow point ammunition experiences extremely high drag, "ball" would be the best performing.
There are weapons which will function underwater, however if the weapon is submerged reliable cycling for semi-autos becomes difficult. A recoil-operated action, such as a 1911 will work, an M-16 however would likely stop functioning after the first shot. There are some which will not or if they did would be extremely dangerous to do so with. The presence of airbubbles in the barrel or chamber may lead to serious consequences.
Usually guns with reputations for being extremely reliable landside, AK's Glocks, have been documented as working underwater. However Glocks are supposed to be internally modified for underwater firing.

But the ballistic performance of a bullet is nearly negated underwater. The velocity and accuracy is so hampered that you'd be better off using a knife.
There is an H&K pistol, the P11 which is designed specifically for underwater use, the weapon is VERY rare and although the barrel cluster may be exchanged for a new one the cluster/(magazine by a stretch) must be sent back to the factory for reloading. It is used by Special Forces Units. The Russians produce a pistol somewhat like this, the SPP-1 Underwater Pistol. These weapons fire projectiles more like darts than traditional bullets.
There is also the Russian APS Underwater Assault Rifle which out of water is very inaccurate, but provides more range and firepower than the underwater pistols.

Answer 3

i also watched that episode on mythbusters. some of them will go a couple feet, but not very far. most bullets will break apart very quickly, unless they are full metal jackets or something.

i have found that usually bullets ricochet or skip off the water. i didnt believe that it actually was skipping untill my brother pointed out after every shot i was taking, you could hear the bullet hitting the trees on the other side. unless it is pointed fairly strait down, the bullet will not even go under water, and if it does, it is slowed down very fast.

edit: if you mean being underwater and shooting, then no don't try it. most likely the barrel will explode from the increased pressure. this will most likely injur or kill you. if that doesn't, im sure there will be alot of pressure resulting from the shot, and if your head is underwater, it would break your ear drums, and possible kill you. suposedly sound is way more intense underwater. if youve ever shot a rifle without hearing protection, you know you wouldnt want to hear anything much louder.

Answer 4

Some guns are capable of firing underwater. But the bullets slow down so quickly. I've seen demonstrations where a diver was able to catch a .22 round in his hands after the bullet only traveled 10 feet in the water.

Years ago, Guns & Ammo Magazine did some underwater testing of various pistols and rifles for a spread. All modern centerfire cartridge arms in perfect condition, with fresh ammo were used. All could be made to fire, but very few would cycle. Bullets travelled at surprisingly high observed velocities, but no readings could be taken due to a lack of suitable cronographing equipment. One thing the did observe was that followup shots would be EXTREMELY dangerous due to gas bubbles forming in the barrel after each shot.

Basically, you end up with a single shot firearm with unknown damage potential. Assume it would be lethal, though.

Answer 5

well technically yes there is one gun that i know of that has that capability, its not widely produced, holds 4 rounds and takes longer to reload then a civil war musket, (you have to send it back to the factory to get it reloaded) but for most guns, no, they cannot be fired underwater safely, if water gets into the cartrige case it will destroy the powder charge, and the weapon will not fire, however do not try to submerge a gun and fire it, the weapon could explode (if the cardridge fires at all) with enough force to injure or kill you. now if your talking about bullets being shot from above water into a river or body of water, thats another thing that should not be done, as any owners manual states, "do not discharge under or at any body of water as this may cause the bullet to richichet" bullets do not typically penitrate water easily, they mostly bounce off water or disintigrate on impact, remember that bullets can travel for miles, 2-4 typically even with a richet they can travel long distance and still be capable of killing, so moral of the story, don't shoot guns under water, don't shoot guns into water. movies are fake

Answer 6

No. Bullets don't shoot - weapons do. But weapons can shoot/discharge bullets into the water. Ballistic tests show that the water friction will rapidy slow the velocity and shorten the distance of travel for nearly all high-powered ammunition. Water can also change the direction and angle of travel, too. Careful though. Do NOT try this at home.

Answer 7

Yes, some kinds of bullets can shoot under water, but don't try it unless you know the gun you are using is designed for it. Some guns will blow up if shot under water.
The best bullets for shooting under water are full metal jackets because they won't explode in the water like hollow points will.
I once killed 17 perch with one bullet from an 8mm Mauser.

Answer 8

bullets will shoot underwater burt most guns will not fire underwater .
if you want to know if bullets will shoot into the water the answer is yes depending on the bullet and shape / configuration onl a few inches to a few feet

Answer 9

Bullets were designed to be shot through air. Of course they will go thru water, to a point but since water is heavier and thicker than air, they won't go as far or as intended.

Answer 10

Not very fast they loose speed at about 10 ft. unless you have a 9mm glock, you could. I tried it and it does work you could also operate it underwater.