[TorpX]

I've been trying to find any research into specifically why heavy wave action caused premature detonation of german magnetic pistols, and have been spectacularly unsuccessful.

It was eventually determined that the magnetic influence of the fjords caused the failures during the norwegian campaign, but I have found no info related to wave action.

I don't have detailed info about the German pistols, but everything I've read about torpedos indicates that none of the magnetic exploders were reliable. The British, Germans and U.S. all tried to use them and ultimately gave up on them. If anybody has sources with information to the contrary, I'd like to see them. It seems like people expect to get easy and reliable sinkings with a single torpedo. This is not realistic, IMO.

The problems with american magnetic exploders seem to have been independant of sea state.

There are two problems with MI exploders; failure to detonate and premature detonation. Rough seas increased the latter. In any case, they were unreliable and taken out of service.