diff --git a/src/lib/commands/laun.c b/src/lib/commands/laun.c
index 9e1466b5..15ba87a2 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/laun.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/laun.c
@@ -263,7 +263,8 @@ launch_missile(struct plnstr *pp)
 		       target_ship.shp_x, target_ship.shp_y,
 		       target_ship.shp_own, &sublaunch) < 0)
 	    return RET_OK;
-	getship(n, &target_ship);
+	/* @target_ship may have expended shells defending */
+	getship(target_ship.shp_uid, &target_ship);
 	if (!msl_hit(pp, shp_hardtarget(&target_ship), EF_SHIP,
 		     N_SHP_MISS, N_SHP_SMISS, sublaunch,
 		     target_ship.shp_own)) {
diff --git a/src/lib/commands/mfir.c b/src/lib/commands/mfir.c
index cb1eb9c5..de2aa0a4 100644
--- a/src/lib/commands/mfir.c
+++ b/src/lib/commands/mfir.c
@@ -393,7 +393,7 @@ c_fire(void)
 	    putsect(&vsect);
 	    break;
 	default:
-	    getship(vshipno, &vship);
+	    getship(vship.shp_uid, &vship);
 	    shipdamage(&vship, dam);
 	    if (vship.shp_effic < SHIP_MINEFF)
 		pr("%s sunk!\n", prsub(&vship));