Will Guns Shoot UNDERWATER ??? (50 BMG, 500 S&W, 556 & More)

Published on August 11, 2025
Duration: 23:17

This video tests the functionality and durability of various firearms when fired underwater. While smaller calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, and .45 ACP function with reduced recoil and some bullet deformation, larger calibers and rifles experience significant issues. The 12-gauge shotgun had primer issues and a broken forearm, the 5.56 AR-15 suffered catastrophic failure, the 7.62x39 AK-47 survived with its top cover blown off, and the .50 BMG caused a pool to rupture.

Quick Summary

Yes, firearms can fire underwater, with smaller calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP functioning successfully. However, higher pressure rounds like 5.56 NATO can cause catastrophic failures, and even a .50 BMG round's pressure wave can breach pool walls.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Underwater Gun Test
  2. 01:19.22 LR Underwater Test
  3. 02:419mm Underwater Test
  4. 03:47.45 ACP Underwater Test
  5. 06:24.44 Magnum Underwater Test
  6. 08:12.500 S&W Magnum Underwater Test
  7. 10:1112 Gauge Shotgun Underwater Test
  8. 12:535.56 NATO AR-15 Underwater Test
  9. 14:497.62x39 AK-47 Underwater Test
  10. 17:36.50 BMG Underwater Test & Pool Rupture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 9mm pistol shoot underwater?

Yes, a Glock 17 in 9mm successfully fired underwater. It cycled correctly, locked the slide back, and the bullet showed no deformation upon hitting a steel backstop, indicating functionality despite water resistance.

What happens when you fire a 5.56 AR-15 underwater?

Firing a 5.56 NATO AR-15 underwater resulted in a catastrophic failure. The high velocity and pressure caused the upper receiver to split and destroyed the magazine, demonstrating the extreme stress on the firearm.

Does a .50 BMG rifle work underwater?

While the .50 BMG rifle fired underwater, the immense pressure wave caused a massive rupture in the side of the pool, draining it instantly. This highlights the extreme destructive potential of this caliber even in a submerged environment.

How does recoil feel when firing a gun underwater?

When firing underwater, recoil is perceived differently. For smaller calibers like .22 LR, the sensation is described as an intense 'shockwave' or 'shock impulse' felt throughout the body, rather than traditional recoil.

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