diff --git a/src/monster.cpp b/src/monster.cpp
index 2ae430d9d2463..d5febe437a377 100644
--- a/src/monster.cpp
+++ b/src/monster.cpp
@@ -2323,7 +2323,8 @@ void monster::drop_items_on_death()
 
     if( has_flag( MF_FILTHY ) && get_option<bool>( "FILTHY_CLOTHES" ) ) {
         for( const auto &it : dropped ) {
-            if( it->is_armor() || it->is_pet_armor() ) {
+            if( ( it->is_armor() || it->is_pet_armor() ) && !it->is_gun() ) {
+                // handle wearable guns as a special case
                 it->item_tags.insert( "FILTHY" );
             }
         }