M69 in the water

[joe44va]

Went wade fishing in falls of the Appomattox River last week and slipped on a greased bowling ball (felt like it anyway). Ended up in a cloud of muddy water with my Smith in a Galco FL104 holster. After a couple of hours disassembling, cleaning out sand and other goop, and reassembling - the weapon is fine. Only saw 2 water moccasins but they weren't too close.

Anyone have any thoughts on a better way to carry a revolver in such a situation? With moccasins about accessibility is an issue.

 

[chief38]

I would not get bent out of shape about the swim your M69 took AS LONG AS you did exactly what you did - meaning a full disassembly, cleaning and lubing. I would carry it so you can have reasonably quick access and not worry about "water-proofing" it while in the woods or a stream. Water is only a big problem if NOT addresses quickly - but it seems you did everything correctly.

After a few times doing so, complete disassembly, cleaning and lubing should take less than an hour. It's not a bad idea to do this every few years even on guns that have never seen water - just to clean and lube the guts.

I have been caught out in sudden rain storms while in the Fields hunting, shooting Sporting Clays, etc and have had to completely disassemble fine Shotguns a few times. No damage was done as I did this as soon as I returned home. Stuff happens and as long as it is addressed promptly and properly it's not a big deal.

 

[Mike_Fontenot]

What do you mean by "complete disassembly"? I've seen an exploded view of a typical S&W revolver, and there appear to be about a hundred (some very tiny) parts. (I know how to disassemble my 1911, but in spite of the fact that I've shot a lot of rounds through S&W revolvers over the years, I've never had to do anything to them ... I've never had to learn anything about their internals at all).

 

[DAinTX]

What do you mean by "complete disassembly"? I've seen an exploded view of a typical S&W revolver, and there appear to be about a hundred (some very tiny) parts. (I know how to disassemble my 1911, but in spite of the fact that I've shot a lot of rounds through S&W revolvers over the years, I've never had to do anything to them ... I've never had to learn anything about their internals at all).

If you're not comfortable with disassembly, remove the grips, cock the hammer and flood the internals first with a good solvent (WD-40 works for this), then flood the internals with a good lubricant (WD-40 isn't best for this), then position the gun so that it can drain out. Really wash it out with both the solvent and the lubricant. It'll be fine.

 

[smokey04]

Remember that WD-40 stands for water dispersant. A small can in the pocket or pack to hose out the innards[NOT the ammo] 'til you can get to camp and strip it down may give you some comfort. Nick

 

[Hapworth]

...Anyone have any thoughts on a better way to carry a revolver in such a situation? With moccasins about accessibility is an issue.

Either this:

Guides Choice Chest Holster, Original Alaskan Holster

Or this with the chest harness option:

Flap Jack - Leather Holster

 

[qballwill]

What do you mean by "complete disassembly"? I've seen an exploded view of a typical S&W revolver, and there appear to be about a hundred (some very tiny) parts. (I know how to disassemble my 1911, but in spite of the fact that I've shot a lot of rounds through S&W revolvers over the years, I've never had to do anything to them ... I've never had to learn anything about their internals at all).

I can completely disassemble a S&W revolver in a matter of just a few minutes. I'm talking down to every last pin and spring. It's actually pretty simple if you understand what every piece does.

 

[PatriotX]

Either this:

Guides Choice Chest Holster, Original Alaskan Holster

Thanks. You just cost me $170.

 

[lscocoa]

I've tried various holsters belt,flap, shoulder, and across chest ,and even waist high waders covering a flap holster ,it depends on how much of a dunking you take a zip lock might be your only protection . The more I aged the clumsier I get and even the clearest mountain trout stream can put some gritty stuff in your gun . Get the Alaskan , cause it's a cool looking holster/tool and remember how to open the gun up cause it could happen again , I know.

 

[chief38]

What do you mean by "complete disassembly"? I've seen an exploded view of a typical S&W revolver, and there appear to be about a hundred (some very tiny) parts. (I know how to disassemble my 1911, but in spite of the fact that I've shot a lot of rounds through S&W revolvers over the years, I've never had to do anything to them ... I've never had to learn anything about their internals at all).

Mike,
the exploded view of the S&W Revolver makes it look a while lot more complicated than it really is. For an experienced person a S&W Revolver can be completely disassembled in under 5 minutes. The NICE thing about Smiths is that they're all basically the same, just different sized parts.

Smiths are relatively straight forward, robust in design and very easy to work on. The first time or two you do it you might be stressed a little, but thereafter it will be quite easy (at least for a mechanically inclined individual). I suggest you start with either a less than pristine example or one that has a few blemishes on it to begin with. It's really not such a big deal.

 

[Practical]

A Glock 40 might be a better choice for water, but I like the heavy trigger for safety if I might fall.

I think you made a great choice. Safer in the situation you are in.

 

[joe44va]

Thanks all. My main concern was not cleaning it (been doing that for near 60 years), but will it work after a dunking. If it does work, and I suspect it will, will there be any damage from shooting it. I just ordered an over the shoulder bag from NRA that has a zippered compartment for the weapon. Slower than a thumb break hip holster but it should keep at least some of the bigger junk out of the action the next time I go swimming. It can also hold some fishing tackle.

 

[joe44va]

Thanks. A Glock 40 doesn't feed snake shot shells quite as well as a revolver, so I'll stick with the 44 revolver for this kind of thing. Actually, I sold my Glock 40 and now have M&P and XDM 40s.

 

[Comrad]

Not sure if this will translate to a wet gun but when my iPhone went through the wash, full cycle and spin, here's what I did.

Soaked the entire phone in 91% isopropyl alcohol. The theory is this, the alcohol drives out the water and evaporates. Step 2 put it in a bag of rice, some say the rice is optional and doesn't really do anything but believe it or not the phone came back.

I'm thinking there's a solid use for WD-40 in a wet gun situation too.

 

[Hapworth]

Thanks all. My main concern was not cleaning it (been doing that for near 60 years), but will it work after a dunking. If it does work, and I suspect it will, will there be any damage from shooting it...

Provided you got the water out and relubed properly, you're good to go. I'd consider a follow-up tear down to double-check, but because you attended to the water-logging promptly there's no reason your revolver would be damaged from shooting (any more than any revolver is ).

 

[Pre 29]

You have a perfectly legitimate reason to purchase a Glock 17 or 19 and a Blackhawk Serpa holster. You can swim in the ocean everyday and the gun and holster will be right there when you need them. Excellent retention and access. And you will look cool and you can shoot the snakes underwater. Good luck, Ricci.