[ME] Re: Underwater weaponry

[Robert Fountain <rfountain@xxxxxx>]

This has become quite an interesting discussion and apparently there are
quite a few members to this list that have some first have experience with
this subject.

The original motivation for my question was regarding the use of weapons
right after surfacing (a possible event that could occur to BE/BE
operatives).  I would assume that special operational forces would need a
weapon that would be ready to use right after surfacing since there is a
possibility of encountering hostile right out of the drink.  With this in
mind and if there was some difficulty in using a standard modern rifle,
pistol, or submachine gun, what if any precautions have become SOP with many
of the elite forces around that world who operate from the water (i.e.
condoms and such).  I assume that the condom is attached to the muzzle to
prevent water from getting in the barrel but wouldn't water seep in thought
the ejection port and into the chamber?  I have seen many photos and
documentary's showing SEALs and other elite forces melting out of the water
with their MP-5s and M-4s up and ready to ventilate unsuspecting foes, (with
no covering seen on the muzzle.), and was wondering on how true to life this
practice is as apposed to scenes in Private Ryan showing M-1s being ripped
out of plastic bags during the Normandy Invasion.

Robert Fountain