The deck gun... how did they ?

SteamWake · 04-16-07, 01:21 PM

There was another thread here discussing the deck gun and its accuracy.

But it got me to thinking about something Ive always wondered about.

How on earth did they keep these guns in operating condition after being subjected to salt spray, temprature extremes, the occassional dunking sometimes to considerable depths.

What would happen if the gun was "warmed" up from use and have to be suddenly dunked into cold salt water ?

How long did it take to get the gun ready to fire after surfacing ?

Id love to see discussion and even better perhaps some maintance manuals on this topic.

AVGWarhawk · 04-16-07, 01:45 PM

I know there was a cap on the barrel end to keep water out. I guess a lot of grease to keep it going.

SteamWake · 04-16-07, 01:54 PM

Im pretty sure that the "cap" would not keep the water out.

I doubt that the breech was water tight.

Im also guessing that it gets forgotten occasionaly in a rush to dive.

Kant Schwimm · 04-16-07, 02:08 PM

I would imagine alot of brass was used in the construction too, good point though - would be interesting to see how long it takes to get operational after surfacing:hmm:

tater · 04-16-07, 02:10 PM

Assuming it was packed with cosmoline or something, I imaging clearing the gun for action might take a few minutes (swab out the barrel, etc).

Kant Schwimm · 04-16-07, 02:26 PM

I just found this refering to the 20mm..

" Pressure-proof storage was provided for these guns, but it was found that they could tolerate immersion reasonable well provided the barrels were changed frequently."

Prolly explains why I see 2 guns strapped to the wall in the conn.

04-16-07, 02:10 PM

http://www.bowfin.org/website/bowfin.../deck/deck.htm

Guns mounted on the deck of a submarine were known as "wet type," which are not easily damaged by submergence.

Simon

Sailor Steve · 04-16-07, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Im pretty sure that the "cap" would not keep the water out.

Why not? That's what it was there for.

Quote:

I doubt that the breech was water tight.

It's air-tight, so it should be water-tight as well.

Quote:

Im also guessing that it gets forgotten occasionaly in a rush to dive.

That I can't argue with. There's actually nothing there that can be hurt by the water; the problem is when the barrel starts to rust and the shell jams more easily.

humesdog · 04-16-07, 03:03 PM

I read somewhere in a book detailing operations in the Mediterranean that the tommies practiced surfacing and rapid fire deck gun exchanges, followed by a crash dive. I want to say they would be ready to engage a target with the deck gun about 30-45 seconds after broaching the surface. Of course these were different types of submarines but it shows you that deck guns in general could be used quickly right after surfacing.

04-16-07, 01:21 PM	#1
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	The deck gun... how did they ? There was another thread here discussing the deck gun and its accuracy. But it got me to thinking about something Ive always wondered about. How on earth did they keep these guns in operating condition after being subjected to salt spray, temprature extremes, the occassional dunking sometimes to considerable depths. What would happen if the gun was "warmed" up from use and have to be suddenly dunked into cold salt water ? How long did it take to get the gun ready to fire after surfacing ? Id love to see discussion and even better perhaps some maintance manuals on this topic.

04-16-07, 01:45 PM	#2
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,253 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	I know there was a cap on the barrel end to keep water out. I guess a lot of grease to keep it going. __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

04-16-07, 02:08 PM	#4
Kant Schwimm Electrician's Mate Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Spaghetti Junction - England Posts: 137 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I would imagine alot of brass was used in the construction too, good point though - would be interesting to see how long it takes to get operational after surfacing:hmm: __________________ *Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori "The old lie"*

04-16-07, 02:26 PM	#6
Kant Schwimm Electrician's Mate Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Spaghetti Junction - England Posts: 137 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I just found this refering to the 20mm.. " Pressure-proof storage was provided for these guns, but it was found that they could tolerate immersion reasonable well provided the barrels were changed frequently." Prolly explains why I see 2 guns strapped to the wall in the conn. __________________ *Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori "The old lie"*

04-16-07, 02:10 PM	#7
shmall Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	http://www.bowfin.org/website/bowfin.../deck/deck.htm Guns mounted on the deck of a submarine were known as "wet type," which are not easily damaged by submergence. Simon Last edited by shmall; 04-16-07 at 02:21 PM.

04-16-07, 01:54 PM	#3
SteamWake Rear Admiral Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 13,224 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Im pretty sure that the "cap" would not keep the water out. I doubt that the breech was water tight. Im also guessing that it gets forgotten occasionaly in a rush to dive.

04-16-07, 02:10 PM	#5
tater Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: New Mexico, USA Posts: 9,023 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 2	Assuming it was packed with cosmoline or something, I imaging clearing the gun for action might take a few minutes (swab out the barrel, etc).

04-16-07, 03:03 PM	#9
humesdog Seaman Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 40 Downloads: 24 Uploads: 0	I read somewhere in a book detailing operations in the Mediterranean that the tommies practiced surfacing and rapid fire deck gun exchanges, followed by a crash dive. I want to say they would be ready to engage a target with the deck gun about 30-45 seconds after broaching the surface. Of course these were different types of submarines but it shows you that deck guns in general could be used quickly right after surfacing.