Semi auto in space

[ChibiPaw]

So there were plenty of topics rather ammo would operate in the vacuum of space. But just ought of random stray thoughts.

Bolt action of course would not be an issue. But would semi auto firearms operate in space? As in round expelled, action cycled, shell expelled, and so on..

I'm thinking anything recoil only based would probably not work. eg: glock's etc.
But what about gas based system like the AR or AK platform? Would internal springs operate?

Condition would be the following:

Any semi auto pistol or rifle.
No atmosphere.
No gravity.
Person is floating, pulling the trigger. neither firearm or the person is attached to any objects.
Bill Nye may be present.

[fusionstar]

the propellant in ammunition has its own oxidizer. so yes it will work in space.
The recoil impulse is too fast, I would think even a glock in space would work. but limp wristing a glock in space is a no no. Even on land its a no no.

[ChibiPaw]

the propellant in ammunition has its own oxidizer. so yes it will work in space.
The recoil impulse is too fast, I would think even a glock in space would work. but limp wristing a glock in space is a no no. Even on land its a no no.

I was thinking the recoil would instead racking the slide, would simply be transfered to the entire gun, and on to the person.. Oh yea, I would guess limp wrist would be really bad. But I didnt think the fast recoil impulse would not make a difference in a zero G environment. Then again, maybe you're right.

[rabagley]

The guns would work just fine, but you'd have to deal with the momentum transfer one way or another.

You may find that if a gun is left in vacuum for a long time that the lubrication will evaporate and metal-metal contact points may become vacuum welded together, which can cause severe stiction (various ftf, fte, issues) or even catastrophic failure.

[Sam]

The bullet would theoretically travel forever in one way and the person would travel forever in the opposite way...that is until either one of them was sucked into a blackhole, the gravity pull of a planet, sun etc.

[NeoWeird]

It's funny how people think once they are in space gravity stops effecting them.

[Some Guy]

It's funny how people think once they are in space gravity stops effecting them.

I think its funny how your post is condescending and uninformative.

[Teletiger7]

Maybe in outerspace you can use firearms as a form of propulsion.

[Experimentalist]

The OP raises an interesting question; there are enough differences between "space" and earth to make the answer not immediately obvious.

First, one should define "space". I suggest such a definition might be a microgravity environment such as you find in orbit around Earth, with breathable atmosphere optional (inside a capsule or outside). There are a couple of physics principles at work that I think help explain why semi-auto weapons will function in this environment.

First, while an object in microgravity is nearly weightless, this does not change the principle of inertia. Newton's first law of motion says an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion along a straight line of travel. This effect is independent of gravity. In other words, even though the gravitational force is negligible the inertia of matter is unchanged.

This is important to the operation of firearms because the effects of gravity (and atmosphere) are not important to this operation. The resistance of the gun - shooter system to acceleration (it's inertia) allows something for the recoil springs to press against. Likewise, the inertia of the bullet (along with friction forces in the barrel) allow the propellant gasses to press against the bullet, and on the slide. This is also why a gas-operated firearm will function in space; the bullet inertia / friction allows the propellant gasses - which are confined to the gas system while they do their work - to cycle the arm. (ETA: Gas impingement systems like that found in the M-16 / AR-15 series firearms may require a bit of tuning to work well in a vacuum. This is because the gas may escape the system faster than it would on earth, possibly resulting in a short stroke of the bolt carrier).

This is also why "limp-wristing" a semiauto gun causes problems with proper cycling. The gun needs a proper "push" from the shooter to function. In a microgravity environment the shooter would be well served to properly reinforce his position before pulling the trigger, lest they find themselves moving in an unfortunate direction.

Rabagley raised a clever point about the effects of a vacuum on lubricants. In the case of a gun left floating by itself in orbit around earth you have to wonder what effects extreme heat, cold, and radiation will have on the metals and propellants over time.

[Pugster]

If a Glock can function underwater then it can in space too. Would be interesting to the effects of recoil in space.

[audihenry]

They would all function. Being in space would make no difference in recoil, blowback, and gas operations.

[bohoki]

yea why would gravity matter my guns all work upside down and gangsta style

as to 100 yard accuracy it would always be shooting high as there is no drop in space

i wonder if the floating granules in the case would ignite quicker though maybe slightly increasing pressure

i used to worry about bullet push out due to the 14 psi here on earth and the 0 in space but it takes more than 14 psi to pull a bullet

there would be a problem firing a gun say on venus as the pressure of 1300 psi would cause all the bullets to be pressed into their cases and may cause feeding issues

[lasereye]

Sounds like a good " Myth Busters " show.

[Gunaria]

Sounds like a good " Myth Busters " show.

The most expensive one ever!

[Gunaria]

Also think about this, shooting a firearm in a enclosed oxygen rich environment is a big no-no.