I have read over several comments on this movie and I just wanted to say one thing to those of you who are unfamiliar with a particular subject. Wet Guns. Mostly all current guns and revolvers in particular are totally mechanical devices. So water would not affect them in the least unless they have been submerged for a considerable length of time where rust would form and that would take while , not the quick dip experienced in this movie. Also, most modern ammunition is sealed very well. Again the quick dip would probably not affect their function although they are more susceptible to being immersed than guns. Bullets are in the course of manufacture subjected to light oil and when guns are cleaned they are also lightly oiled, which would repel water. Personally I would not attack a person with a wet gun. The movies are the only place where wet weapons don't fire. Of course this does not refer to Westerns(with paper cartridges) and films that involve older firearms like flintlocks where open powder was used. The gun in Cape Fear looked like a fairly up to date 38 caliber. I also don't believe Peck would beat Mitchum in a fight- but the dynamic is interesting. The psychotic versus the head of the house fighting for his family. I was a cop, and I can tell that both are formidable opponents and greatly motivated. Perhaps on that factor alone the father would win.