What happens if you get a handgun wet and what do you have to do to recover its effectiveness?

Question

Will it fire right away or not? Need to know for a story I'm writing.

Answer 1

Revolvers would likely drain quickly. If loaded with military grade ammo (sealed primer and seal around projectile) will likely fire safely as long is it is tipped forward to drain the barrel and cylinder chambers.

Semi-automatic pistols might function if tipped forward to drain the barrel. The clip should drain at most any angle. Same deal with the ammo.

Everyone who said you should clean it is correct. But I read this as you were planning a story and it didn't sound like the character was going to have the luxury of time. Life or death = drop the barrel, quick shake, up - aim - and fire.

Answer 2

Depends on the make and model of gun. Most loaded revolvers can't function after becoming saturated. Plus the moisture in the barrel can cause backfires (really, really, not nice). I've seen Hollywood flicks that portray otherwise but ... they are movies. I overheard a conversation between two handgun owners that have relatively recent magazine loaders and state their guns can handle getting wet but they hadn't tried it out yet. Guns need to be thoroughly dry, the barrels, the chambers, all of it in order to ensure safe firing, but maybe they've come out with something new since my time. I figure they must've, what with all this warfare and stuff.

Answer 3

Let air dry, properly lubricate, and test fire. make sure no parts are rusted though. Depending on make or model you may need a new handgun.

Answer 4

Strip it down, dry the parts thoroughly, and lightly oil it.

Answer 5

it will rust if not cleaned and oiled right away
just make sure it is taken care of.