Summer is right around the corner and every summer, we got a lot of emails concerning concealed carry and boats.
Kayaking, canoeing, yacht, sailboat… Whichever one you find yourself on, you’re probably going to want to bring your gun. However, there are some good things to know about concealed carry and boats that may not be immediately intuitive. The first is the hazard of losing your firearm in the water.
How To Not Lose Your Gun In The Water
Additional concerns usually stem from smaller vessels like kayaks, whitewater rafts, and canoes. Despite the best intentions, we can still tip over or submerge. When that happens, there’s a lot more chance for a gun to be lost or misplaced.
One of the biggest concerns should be losing your gun in the water. It’s damn unlikely once that gun sinks that you’ll be able to recover it if you’re in any sizable body of water. Some basic tricks and tips:
- Use a high retention holster with a clasp
- Tie a tether from the pistol grip to your belt
- Use an inside the waistband holster that has loops so you can affix the holster to your belt
This is the easiest, most reliable way to ensure your gun stays in your holster and your holster stays on you.
Caution: Slippery When Wet
The problem with water is that it makes everything slippery. This really shouldn’t affect your handgun in the immediate time frame, but it definitely throws in some extra variables when it comes to potentially losing or even shooting your gun.
A wet, modern pistol should still work just fine even after it’s been dipped in water. Ammunition cartridges are self-contained, and the primers are sealed until hit by the striker. This may add some variables when it comes to long distance pistol accuracy, but it really won’t affect the basic mechanics of the gun.
It will, potentially, affect how you grip and shoot the gun. Wet pistol grips may not have as much friction. This can result in the firearm slipping a bit easier. The best solution to this is to grab slowly and firmly if you need to take your gun out of the holster. As much as we may need to whip a gun out at a moment’s notice, that speed may work against you unless you have a full, high grip on that pistol.
Optionally, there are manufacturer and aftermarket grips that offer a more textured surface. This is honestly the ideal solution because that texture will help your hand grip the gun even while it’s wet.
Long-Term Effects Of Wet Guns
If left unaddressed, water inside the gun can pool up and oxidize steel components. This can result in rust forming. After a firearm gets soaked, you’re best served by completely drying it out and applying a very light coat of lubricating oil on internal springs, bars, and any metal surface that scrapes against other metal.
Another issue is humidity or saltwater. Saltwater is absolutely the worst thing for your gun. Salt fog or just heavy concentrations of salt in the air can corrode metal surfaces — including those inside your gun. If you’re on a multi-day trip out at sea, definitely consider inspecting your firearm and applying a light coat of oil to all exposed metal surfaces. Keep your gun dry whenever possible and use a sock or other textured fabric to wipe away any moisture that accumulates.
These simple tips will help keep you prepared and motivated to carry concealed whether you’re on the high seas or the white water rapids.
