Posted By Rob T a bit of a strange one but, important nonetheless. I am working in the desert (Middle east) at the moment and I've just had a strange request. We have gun containers at the entrance to each of our sites where pistols and AK's are handed in by staff and various roustabout tribesmen etc. before entering the perimeter. I have now however, had a request for the containers to be air conditioned as a safety measure for the guns. The temperature does reach 50 - 55 degrees C on a regular basis and the containers can get to about 60 degrees inside. As far as I'm aware bullets won't cook off at these temps but I can't find any guidance on the subject. Any old Quartermasters or similar out there who could help me? This is becoming a bit of an issue so any fast responses would be very gratefully received. Cheers Rob Todd

Posted By Rob T Thanks Ian. Most of the time we do try to ensure that the guns are unloaded when handed in but it's difficult. The local tribesmen tend to take care of their weapons luckily and this also helps. Explosives for seismic op's are kept completely seperately and in controlled environments(although saying that we do get occasional hand grenades handed in - to be marked and given back when they leave!). It was just the bullet issue and you've confirmed my thoughts. Cheers Rob

Posted By Saracen11 Hi Rob, small arm rounds will not spontaniously discharge due to the temperatures you describe swirling around them. Any flares, initiation charges and heavy pyrotechnics however are a different story... segregation of weapons and ammunition is always a must but keep these fellas away from any direct or indirect sources of heat (the sun) - something to do with the contents melting and the leakage becoming unstable. A/C will provide a nice cool environment for your staff to familiarise themselves with and learn about weapons they might not normally see... Regards