What Happens If A Gun FIRES Without Being HELD ??? (50 BMG, 45-70, 500 Magnum & More)

Published on January 20, 2026
Duration: 20:09

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the physics of firearm recoil by testing what happens when various guns fire without being held. The experiment demonstrates how different calibers and firearm designs react to recoil forces when unbraced, providing insights into muzzle flip and firearm movement. The presenter, Scott, uses a range of calibers from 9mm to 50 BMG to illustrate these principles.

Quick Summary

When a gun fires without being held, its recoil energy is not absorbed by a shooter, causing the firearm to move unpredictably. The distance and violence of movement depend on caliber, firearm weight, and design features like muzzle brakes. For instance, the Bond Arms Cyclops (.45-70) flew back over 36.5 feet, while a braked .50 BMG rifle moved minimally.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Experiment Premise
  2. 01:159mm Glock 17 Test
  3. 04:34357 Magnum Henry Revolver Test
  4. 06:0944 Magnum S&W AirLite PD Test
  5. 07:49500 Magnum Taurus Raging Hunter Test
  6. 09:1645-70 Bond Arms Cyclops Test
  7. 11:2612 Gauge Maverick Shotgun Test
  8. 12:41AR-15 and 6.5 Creedmoor Tests
  9. 14:4650 BMG Serbu RN-50 Test
  10. 16:4050 BMG Noreen ULR Pistol Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a gun fires without being held?

When a gun fires without being held, its recoil energy is not absorbed by a shooter. This causes the firearm to move unpredictably, often flipping or flying backward, with the distance and violence of movement depending on caliber, firearm weight, and design features like muzzle brakes.

Which firearm in the test moved the furthest when fired remotely?

The Bond Arms Cyclops derringer in .45-70 Government, fired without being held, set a record by flying back over 36.5 feet, demonstrating extreme recoil for its size and caliber when unbraced.

How does a muzzle brake affect recoil when a gun fires unheld?

A muzzle brake significantly reduces muzzle rise and felt recoil. The Serbu RN-50 (.50 BMG) with a muzzle brake moved only a few feet, while the Noreen ULR (.50 BMG) without one violently flew off the table.

Does caliber alone determine how far a gun will move when fired unheld?

No, caliber is a major factor, but firearm weight, design (e.g., pistol vs. rifle, presence of a muzzle brake), and ammunition type (grain weight) also play crucial roles in determining how far a gun will move when fired without being held.

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