Author Topic: gunfire, in space?  (Read 2590 times)

Offline saltuponwounds

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gunfire, in space?
« on: November 30, 2013, 07:37:34 PM »
just vote yes or no, then tell me why you think it could be possible or not.
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Offline headhunter

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2013, 08:01:34 PM »
   Being that space is an airless vacuum, you may say that you couldn't because fire can not burn where there is no oxygen, but modern ammunition contains it's own oxidizer, which is a chemical that causes the gunpowder in the rifle to explode. Basically, it is possible without atmospheric pressure but without pressure or gravity what happens after that is different.
   Most likely what would happen is the bullet would be propelled out of the barrel but unless you had your back against something or were holding on to something to keep you from flying backward. you would be sent into an endless tumble through space if something didn't stop you or you fired a bullet in the direction you were travelling which would just send you flying back towards where you started flying from.
   If I was wrong please correct me I'm just going off of what I know about physics and modern firearms.
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Offline SmallBoreStateChamp

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2013, 08:06:53 PM »
Headhunter you are 100% correct
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. - George S. Patton

Offline sgun480

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2013, 09:32:29 PM »
The Russians actually mounted a gun onto a small space station in the 70s, it was the first and only recorded gun in space. Saw it on the history channel so you know its true.
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Offline headhunter

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2013, 09:37:12 PM »
The Russians actually mounted a gun onto a small space station in the 70s, it was the first and only recorded gun in space. Saw it on the history channel so you know its true.
All Russian cosmonauts used to be issued an "all purpose" gun, consisting of 3 barrels, a swing out machete, and it can be used as a shovel in case they had to make a emergency landing on Earth so that they could survive if they landed in a hostile environment. they took the guns to space with them but never actually fired them.
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Offline Bob Z Moose

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2013, 10:32:12 PM »
You absolutely can. Smokeless powder has it's own oxidizer that allows the powder to burn.

Sources:

Edit: Headhunter beat me to it, but link for the curious.
« Last Edit: November 30, 2013, 10:35:07 PM by Bob Z Moose »
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Offline Shdsteel

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2013, 11:14:32 PM »
I do believe the H&K G11 with its caseless ammo would have been ideal for space shootouts because of the very low recoil produced and that the entire bullet, shell and all, are ejected and speed up as it exits the gun.

Offline headhunter

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2013, 11:30:36 PM »
I do believe the H&K G11 with its caseless ammo
I forgot to mention that since there is no gravity or pressure in space it is possible that a semi-automatic or full-auto gun would possibly have problems chambering a second round because the bolt would have problems moving the case all the way out of the chamber before closing again. another reason why G11 would be good for outer space. 
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Offline SmallBoreStateChamp

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Re: gunfire, in space?
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2013, 08:37:15 PM »
Actually because semi/full auto systems are run on recoil/blowback or on a closed gas system, they are completely unefected by a lack of air and or external pressure, gravity or lack thereof has absolutle nothing to do with the actual funtion of the operating system.
« Last Edit: December 01, 2013, 08:39:09 PM by SmallBoreStateChamp »
A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. - George S. Patton