Guys on the east coast have no trouble with salt-water-wet guns, above or below water, and don't see why it should be different in Louisiana, Bill. After the hunt, clean, wipe, oil but stay clear of WD-40, which I think means Water Dispersant for 40 days. Immersed, I asap flushed and soaked 20ga AyA in methyl hydrate/alcohol several times in plastic tube, no problems. Five months at five fathoms, my mint SW went to Nick Makinson for mint restoration. No gun should be lost to elements or negligence.