Can you use ear plugs as rubber bullets?| Gun Myths with Jerry Miculek

Published on August 21, 2014
Duration: 6:40

Expert shooter Jerry Miculek investigates the myth of using earplugs as rubber bullets. He scientifically tests both foam and rubber earplugs fired from a .38 Special revolver. While rubber earplugs show surprising effectiveness at short range, foam earplugs lack the necessary mass for significant impact. The experiment underscores the importance of proper projectile design and firearm safety.

Quick Summary

Rubber earplugs can be surprisingly effective projectiles when fired from a firearm at close range, demonstrating significant penetration. Foam earplugs, however, lack the necessary mass and often fail to penetrate targets, sometimes even lodging in the barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Earplug Bullet Myth
  2. 00:30Testing Foam Earplugs: First Attempt Failure
  3. 01:40Baseline: Firing a Commercial Rubber Bullet
  4. 02:47Testing Rubber Earplugs: Surprising Effectiveness
  5. 04:00Foam Earplug Retest: Improved Procedure
  6. 04:57Conclusion: Foam vs. Rubber Earplugs & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foam earplugs be fired from a gun like rubber bullets?

While foam earplugs can be fired from a firearm, they generally lack the mass and density to act as effective projectiles. Tests show they often fail to penetrate targets and can even get stuck in the barrel due to gas blow-by.

Are rubber earplugs effective as projectiles?

Yes, rubber earplugs, particularly triple-flange designs, can be surprisingly effective projectiles when fired from a firearm at close range using primer-only propulsion. They demonstrate significant penetration capabilities.

What are the risks of firing earplugs from a gun?

Firing improvised projectiles like earplugs carries risks, including barrel obstruction, inconsistent performance, and potential firearm damage. Always prioritize safety and use appropriate ammunition or commercially manufactured projectiles.

What is the difference between foam and rubber earplugs as projectiles?

Foam earplugs are too soft and light to cause significant impact or penetration. Rubber earplugs, being denser and more durable, can act as effective projectiles at short distances, similar to specialized rubber training rounds.

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