I proved to my satisfaction that water flat POURS through a closed bolt and into the barrel. Anyone can do what I did in about 2 minutes and see for themselves. This idea that an EMPTY breech is waterproof is ludicrous and I took the time to prove it. Now I have a wet rifle drying out by the woodstove for my troubles <grin>.
Tape on the muzzle would do squat to stop water at the breech, though a round in the chamber would slow things down considerably (I'd bet) but, as I already said, I've pulled many soaked rounds from my chambers at the end of a rainy day in the woods.... which dovetails exactly with what I already proved so I'm done proving this. It done been proved.
Calvin and his airtight breeches (snork, giggle) notwithstanding.
