The Deck Gun Removalist

It is 1942 in my current campaign, and for the last 8 months I have only had opportunity to use the deck gun 3-4 times, due to weather, increased number of escorts, and armed merchants. Like K-61, I have been considering the removal of my deck gun. (Using SH3 Commander.) I assume that SH3 Commander does not allow you to replace the gun once removed, and that you can purchase another one in-game if you change your mind? I'm guessing that there is no performance gain through the removal of said gun.

I could brave it and go gun-happy, but have been using this campaign as a training ground to learn tactics and the proper level of aggression/caution to get one out alive. I plan to go dead is dead in my next campaign, and so this learning opportunity has been invaluable. More than likely, I'll hold onto the gun until near 1943, and pretend that the extra space the ammo was taking is getting used for food, etc...