how many pillows does it take to stop a bullet?

Published on May 23, 2016
Duration: 4:13

This video tests how many pillows are needed to stop a 9mm bullet fired from a Glock 19. The experiment found that 7 to 8 pillows were sufficient to halt Federal 9mm 115-grain FMJ rounds. The recovered bullets were relatively intact, demonstrating the effectiveness of multiple layers of soft material against common handgun projectiles.

Quick Summary

It takes approximately 7 to 8 standard pillows to stop a 9mm FMJ round fired from a Glock 19. The recovered projectiles were relatively intact after penetrating the 7th and 8th pillows in this experimental ballistics test.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pillow Bullet Test Setup
  2. 00:28Firearm & Ammo: Glock 19 & 9mm FMJ
  3. 00:49The Shooting: Firing into Pillows
  4. 01:00Results: Inspecting Pillow Penetration
  5. 02:25Bullet Recovery: Finding the Projectiles
  6. 03:46Conclusion: Pillows Needed to Stop Bullet

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pillows does it take to stop a 9mm bullet?

In this specific test using a Glock 19 and Federal 9mm 115-grain FMJ ammunition, it took approximately 7 to 8 pillows to completely stop the projectiles. The bullets were recovered intact after penetrating the 7th and 8th pillows.

What kind of gun and ammo were used in the pillow test?

The test featured a Glock 19 handgun firing Federal 9mm 115-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds. This specific combination was used to determine the bullet-stopping power of standard pillows.

Were the bullets recovered after shooting through the pillows?

Yes, both bullets fired into the pillows were successfully recovered. The first bullet was found lodged in the 7th pillow, and the second was recovered from the 8th pillow. Both projectiles remained relatively intact.

Can pillows provide effective bullet protection?

While this test showed 7-8 pillows could stop a 9mm FMJ round, it's an informal experiment. Pillows are not designed as ballistic protection, and their effectiveness can vary greatly depending on density, construction, and the specific ammunition fired.

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