Shooting underwater (.40, 9mm, .45)

[Dan Diego]

I'd always wondered what would happen if I fired a pistol underwater. Well, here ya go...

http://www.picturecorrect.com/news/interesting-photo-of-the-day-underwater-gunshot/

I don’t recall when, but a scientific test was conducted by D&L Sports™ Inc., shooting under water. The tests were done with Glock’S .45 and .40, Colt 1911 with D &L Sports professional model package of custom upgrades and D & L Sports™ Inc. signature grade 5” 1911 .45 ACP. During the tests several types of bullets and ammo was tested shooting at a soaked 3/4” plywood board placed 4 feet in front of the muzzle.

Of the bullets fired under water, ( Federal Ball, Federal Hydra Shock JHP, Winchester XST JH, and Remington Golden Saber JHP) with exception of the 230 gr. Ball, the other three did not even reach the board, and the deepest penetration of Ball that did, was only 1/2.”

Although, there were no firearms blowups, there were signs of extreme pressure on the cases and primers and many malfunctions of various types, failure to chamber, extract/eject, fire. and etc.

AND here is some sage ADVICE and WARNING: DO NOT SHOOT YOUR FIREARM WITH A BORE OBSTRUCTION! DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DUPLICATE THESE TESTS, OR DO SIMILAR TESTS! DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ACTIVITY! DO NOT SHOOT YOUR FIREARMS IN OR UNDER WATER, DEATH, INJURY, AND OR PROPERTY DAMAGE MAY OCCUR!

Video Here:

http://www.picturecorrect.com/news/interesting-photo-of-the-day-underwater-gunshot/

[Yugo]

so basically if you need to do this for self defense the gun better be pressed against your attacker and no more than maybe a couple inches away. Even if a couple inches seems that with thick clothing it might not penetrate.

[Maltese Falcon]

I wonder if you would get better penetration shooting into the water, i.e., raise your arm above the surface and shoot down.

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[Dan Diego]

so basically if you need to do this for self defense the gun better be pressed against your attacker and no more than maybe a couple inches away. Even if a couple inches seems that with thick clothing it might not penetrate.

That's a great point!

Not like in the movies...

[mike_the_wino]

I wonder if you would get better penetration shooting into the water, i.e., raise your arm above the surface and shoot down.

Not much better. In fact the higher the velocity, the quicker the bullet rips itself apart. There is a Mythbusters about this very subject.
Here are some videos.

[JDay]

Shooting hollow points under water is a darwin award in the making.

[sully007]

Did that trigger the gun spotter in his city?

[JDay]

Did that trigger the gun spotter in his city?

Shooting underwater is nearly silent above.

[63j300]

Myth busters did this a few years ago shooting down into the water, like what is done in movies. Nothing hit there target at 3' I think that included a 50 cal. It was all done into a pool at the same angle so it was sorta scientific.