Glocks underwater...

ttdub · August 21, 2012, 12:47 PM

Hey guys, I've been seriously thinking of purchasing a Glock, but I keep hearing that they always misfire after being submerged and taken out of water... I always thought they were supposed to be reliable under any circumstances. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on being in the water, but I would also like to use this weapon as a SHTF pistol. Let me know what you guys think...

BGutzman · August 21, 2012, 12:52 PM

I cant imaging a situation that you would ever need to fire from under the water... Regardless with few if any exceptions water is a pretty good bullet stopper (see mythbusters).

ttdub · August 21, 2012, 12:58 PM

My mistake... I meant after being submerged, not actually being shot underwater. Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5iahKNVj44

BGutzman · August 21, 2012, 01:02 PM

I cant speak for Glocks as I am not a fan... however in general any reasonable quality firearms should be able to take a submerging and perform as if it hadnt occured.

I would suspect the Glock would have no problem as it is used by military forces in other nations...

Walt Sherrill · August 21, 2012, 01:05 PM

I can't understand why a striker fired pistol would misfire if wet, or even if still underwater. The chemical reaction that would be created by striking the primer should be the same whether wet or dry. Any water that would impede the striker would, it seems to me, have a similar effect on a hammer striking a firing pin, and the firing pin itself.

I suspect any claims about Glocks (or other guns) firing or not firing underwater or after being submerged, comes from the experts who work part-time as mall ninjas.

(I saw a pretty interesting show recently on the history channel about firing under or into water. It showed that a bullet will only travel a short distance (feet, not yards) through water, even if fired from a relatively powerful long-gun.)

militant · August 21, 2012, 01:12 PM

YouTube Glocks being shot under water. They shoot, the bullets don't go far. Why on earth would someone do this?

ttdub · August 21, 2012, 01:31 PM

I miss worded what I was trying to say. I didn't mean shooting while submerged, but shooting after being submerged, like if it was dropped in wanted and it wouldn't shoot once taken out. I changed the wording.

**Tom Servo** · August 21, 2012, 01:44 PM

I don't see that being a problem with most guns, so long as they're not retaining water inside the action.

With ammunition, wet primers can be a possible cause of FTF's.

Mueller · August 21, 2012, 01:56 PM

A fair portion of SD ammunition is sealed and a short term dunking should not be enough to cause any problem with water getting into the powder charge of ammunition that is unsealed.

Water retained within the action could/may be a potential concern given tight tolerances, say with the striker needing to move water out of the firing pin channel on it's way to striking the primer, the hydraulic effect slowing the striker enough to cause a misfire, but that would rank up there in the really unlikely category, unless Mr.Murphy really likes you.

Having said that, I have on occasion taken an unexpected dip with firearms and after making sure the barrel was clear of water and cycling the action and a quick shake to assist any remaining water to clear the open action, just because I don't like playing the odds, I reloaded and continued on.

mes228 · August 21, 2012, 02:23 PM

I've read that the large open hole behind the mag well in a Glock is a purposeful design. It's there to have the pistol "drain" almost instantly after being submerged. Don't know if that's true as you can read anything. However, that's why I have never used an after market "plug" that's sold to plug the hole. So to answer the question, I believe a Glock will fire after being submerged with little problem.

Dragline45 · August 21, 2012, 02:53 PM

Quote:

A fair portion of SD ammunition is sealed and a short term dunking should not be enough to cause any problem with water getting into the powder charge of ammunition that is unsealed.

A while ago I left a 9mm round in a glass of water to see if it would fire after. I forgot about it for a couple weeks and to my surprise when I took it to the range it fired. It was cheap WWB value pack ammo from walmart.

ttdub · August 21, 2012, 04:00 PM

This is great points everyone! Maybe he has aftermarket parts... Either way, you guys should comment on this guys video (definitely not mine just to let you know). He's talking crap about Glock not working and does a test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5iahKNVj44

jglsprings · August 21, 2012, 04:18 PM

The only mod I know of for "submarine" warfare is the water proof spring cups.

http://www.glockmeister.com/GLOCK-Ma...uctinfo/G3073/

Quote:

Hey guys, I've been seriously thinking of purchasing a Glock, but I keep hearing that they always misfire after being submerged and taken out of water... I always thought they were supposed to be reliable under any circumstances. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on being in the water, but I would also like to use this weapon as a SHTF pistol. Let me know what you guys think...

Really??! Of course if it is on the internet it must be true... Do you know of any weapon (or machine for that matter) that will be reliable under any circumstance? What other weapons are you considering to pass this test?

ttdub · August 21, 2012, 04:22 PM

JGLsprings, I understand that, and that's why I asked. Also, a guy did demonstrate it on a video and others seemed to agree. That's why I asked people here. Also, I'm not asking about firing underwater! I've written multiple other posts on here explaining that (read up), and I changed the wording. I just mean if say I drop it in the water, and when I pick it up just like the video above.

Ben Towe · August 21, 2012, 04:37 PM

As long as you tip it muzzle down to clear water from the barrel I see no reason it shouldn't perform flawlessly. A barrel full of water could cause a catastrophic failure though.

sigcurious · August 21, 2012, 05:12 PM

ttdub, when you accidentally drop the hypothetical pistol in the water do you intend to also fill the pistol with dirt first?

While that random youtube guy might feel its a valid recreation of real world possibilities. I struggle to imagine a situation where dirt is poured into a pistol through an open slide.

JC57 · August 21, 2012, 05:17 PM

Just wait for the Gen 5s, they'll probably have that whole water issue resolved by then.

Leejack · August 21, 2012, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Just wait for the Gen 5s, they'll probably have that whole water issue resolved by then.

LOL!

Sigmas can shoot in outer space!

Skyline · August 21, 2012, 05:49 PM

It's hard to believe a dunking will cause a malfunction. I don't know what's going on there.

It reminded of this cool video of the HK P30 though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a16KhDOZy0

lyodbraun · August 21, 2012, 05:51 PM

here is a very well done video on how a Glock will Function just fine under water or above water....

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/show....php?t=1438051

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COea9...layer_embedded

tahunua001 · August 21, 2012, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Just wait for the Gen 5s, they'll probably have that whole water issue resolved by then.

I sure hope that's sarcasm, the generation 4 and all of it's "improvements" nearly killed Glocks reputation and is the first time they have ever had to issue mass recalls.

to the OP, I hate glocks and try not to defend or promote them if at all possible but more than likely the ammo being submerged wasn't built to the tightest tolerances and the powder probably got wet, causing failure to fires, the gun may have been working just fine but if the ammo's bad there is nothing the gun can do to fix the issue.

however on a similar note I have had 9mm ammo go through the washer before and have taken it out and it still went off in my SR9C so you can take that for what it's worth.

jglsprings · August 21, 2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

I sure hope that's sarcasm, the generation 4 and all of it's "improvements" nearly killed Glocks reputation and is the first time they have ever had to issue mass recalls.

The O/P was asking about when the Gen 5 pistols are coming out...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498891

... in an earlier thread.

JC57 · August 21, 2012, 06:42 PM

Yes, I was just weaving the two threads into a yarn.

jglsprings · August 21, 2012, 06:55 PM

Yes, a yarn. I like that.

Quote:

4. a tale, especially a long story of adventure or incredible happenings: He spun a yarn that outdid any I had ever heard.

wayneinFL · August 21, 2012, 07:10 PM

The only way water would affect the pistol would be to fill the firing pin channel and slow the firing pin enough to get a light primer strike. Maritime spring cups are supposed to stop that, and there are videos of Glocks firin underwater, though I have no experience with that.

I have immersed my Glock 27 before and the only time its operation was affected was when it got jammed up with beach sand. All I had to do was field strip it and rinse out the sand. Water has never hurt it.

August 21, 2012, 12:47 PM	#1
ttdub Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Posts: 50	Glocks underwater... Hey guys, I've been seriously thinking of purchasing a Glock, but I keep hearing that they always misfire after being submerged and taken out of water... I always thought they were supposed to be reliable under any circumstances. Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on being in the water, but I would also like to use this weapon as a SHTF pistol. Let me know what you guys think... __________________ Do you need a great firearm training center?http://www.guntrainingcentral.com/ Last edited by ttdub; August 21, 2012 at 01:29 PM.

August 21, 2012, 12:52 PM	#2
BGutzman Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Location: Frozen Tundra Posts: 2,414	I cant imaging a situation that you would ever need to fire from under the water... Regardless with few if any exceptions water is a pretty good bullet stopper (see mythbusters). __________________ Molon Labe

August 21, 2012, 12:58 PM	#3
ttdub Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Posts: 50	My mistake... I meant after being submerged, not actually being shot underwater. Like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5iahKNVj44 __________________ Do you need a great firearm training center?http://www.guntrainingcentral.com/

August 21, 2012, 01:02 PM	#4
BGutzman Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Location: Frozen Tundra Posts: 2,414	I cant speak for Glocks as I am not a fan... however in general any reasonable quality firearms should be able to take a submerging and perform as if it hadnt occured. I would suspect the Glock would have no problem as it is used by military forces in other nations... __________________ Molon Labe

August 21, 2012, 01:12 PM	#6
militant Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 519	YouTube Glocks being shot under water. They shoot, the bullets don't go far. Why on earth would someone do this? __________________ A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44

August 21, 2012, 01:05 PM	#5
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	I can't understand why a striker fired pistol would misfire if wet, or even if still underwater. The chemical reaction that would be created by striking the primer should be the same whether wet or dry. Any water that would impede the striker would, it seems to me, have a similar effect on a hammer striking a firing pin, and the firing pin itself. I suspect any claims about Glocks (or other guns) firing or not firing underwater or after being submerged, comes from the experts who work part-time as mall ninjas. (I saw a pretty interesting show recently on the history channel about firing under or into water. It showed that a bullet will only travel a short distance (feet, not yards) through water, even if fired from a relatively powerful long-gun.)

August 21, 2012, 01:31 PM	#7
ttdub Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Posts: 50	I miss worded what I was trying to say. I didn't mean shooting while submerged, but shooting after being submerged, like if it was dropped in wanted and it wouldn't shoot once taken out. I changed the wording. __________________ Do you need a great firearm training center?http://www.guntrainingcentral.com/

August 21, 2012, 01:44 PM	#8
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	I don't see that being a problem with most guns, so long as they're not retaining water inside the action. With ammunition, wet primers can be a possible cause of FTF's. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

August 21, 2012, 01:56 PM	#9
Mueller Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2001 Posts: 136	A fair portion of SD ammunition is sealed and a short term dunking should not be enough to cause any problem with water getting into the powder charge of ammunition that is unsealed. Water retained within the action could/may be a potential concern given tight tolerances, say with the striker needing to move water out of the firing pin channel on it's way to striking the primer, the hydraulic effect slowing the striker enough to cause a misfire, but that would rank up there in the really unlikely category, unless Mr.Murphy really likes you. Having said that, I have on occasion taken an unexpected dip with firearms and after making sure the barrel was clear of water and cycling the action and a quick shake to assist any remaining water to clear the open action, just because I don't like playing the odds, I reloaded and continued on.

August 21, 2012, 02:23 PM	#10
mes228 Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2005 Posts: 628	Glock I've read that the large open hole behind the mag well in a Glock is a purposeful design. It's there to have the pistol "drain" almost instantly after being submerged. Don't know if that's true as you can read anything. However, that's why I have never used an after market "plug" that's sold to plug the hole. So to answer the question, I believe a Glock will fire after being submerged with little problem.

August 21, 2012, 04:00 PM	#12
ttdub Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Posts: 50	This is great points everyone! Maybe he has aftermarket parts... Either way, you guys should comment on this guys video (definitely not mine just to let you know). He's talking crap about Glock not working and does a test: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5iahKNVj44 __________________ Do you need a great firearm training center?http://www.guntrainingcentral.com/

August 21, 2012, 04:22 PM	#14
ttdub Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Posts: 50	JGLsprings, I understand that, and that's why I asked. Also, a guy did demonstrate it on a video and others seemed to agree. That's why I asked people here. Also, I'm not asking about firing underwater! I've written multiple other posts on here explaining that (read up), and I changed the wording. I just mean if say I drop it in the water, and when I pick it up just like the video above. __________________ Do you need a great firearm training center?http://www.guntrainingcentral.com/

August 21, 2012, 04:37 PM	#15
Ben Towe Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2009 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 1,128	As long as you tip it muzzle down to clear water from the barrel I see no reason it shouldn't perform flawlessly. A barrel full of water could cause a catastrophic failure though. __________________ 'Merica: Back to back World War Champs

August 21, 2012, 05:12 PM	#16
sigcurious Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2011 Posts: 1,755	ttdub, when you accidentally drop the hypothetical pistol in the water do you intend to also fill the pistol with dirt first? While that random youtube guy might feel its a valid recreation of real world possibilities. I struggle to imagine a situation where dirt is poured into a pistol through an open slide.

August 21, 2012, 05:17 PM	#17
JC57 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Posts: 375	Just wait for the Gen 5s, they'll probably have that whole water issue resolved by then.

August 21, 2012, 05:49 PM	#19
Skyline Junior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 9	It's hard to believe a dunking will cause a malfunction. I don't know what's going on there. It reminded of this cool video of the HK P30 though: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a16KhDOZy0

August 21, 2012, 05:51 PM	#20
lyodbraun Member Join Date: January 4, 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 90	here is a very well done video on how a Glock will Function just fine under water or above water.... http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/show....php?t=1438051 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COea9...layer_embedded

August 21, 2012, 06:42 PM	#23
JC57 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Posts: 375	Yes, I was just weaving the two threads into a yarn.

August 21, 2012, 07:10 PM	#25
wayneinFL Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2004 Posts: 1,944	The only way water would affect the pistol would be to fill the firing pin channel and slow the firing pin enough to get a light primer strike. Maritime spring cups are supposed to stop that, and there are videos of Glocks firin underwater, though I have no experience with that. I have immersed my Glock 27 before and the only time its operation was affected was when it got jammed up with beach sand. All I had to do was field strip it and rinse out the sand. Water has never hurt it.