How HARD Is It ACTUALLY To Disable A CAR ???

Published on December 23, 2025
Duration: 19:32

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the effectiveness of common firearm calibers in disabling vehicles. Host Scott tests various pistols and rifles against Ford and Chevrolet trucks, demonstrating that most common rounds cause cosmetic damage but fail to stop the engine. Surprisingly, a .380 ACP round disabled one truck by hitting the radiator and hood release, while only a powerful .416 Rigby could stop the second truck by destroying its carburetor.

Quick Summary

Common pistol calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, and .40 S&W usually fail to disable vehicles, causing only minor damage. Surprisingly, a .380 ACP round stopped a truck by hitting the radiator and hood release. Larger rifle calibers were also ineffective until a powerful .416 Rigby destroyed the carburetor, demonstrating the need for substantial energy to stop an engine.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Testing Vehicle Disablement
  2. 00:53Experiment Setup: Redneck Merry-Go-Round
  3. 03:35Visibility Test: Egg Obstruction
  4. 03:59Pistol Caliber Testing: .22 LR, 9mm, .40 S&W
  5. 06:20.380 ACP Surprise: Radiator & Hood Release Hit
  6. 09:16Chevy 1500 Testing: .45 ACP & Shotgun
  7. 11:30Rifle Caliber Testing: 5.56 to .30-06
  8. 15:36Large Caliber Conclusion: .416 Rigby Stops Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

Can common pistol calibers disable a car?

Generally, no. Common pistol rounds like .22 LR, 9mm, and .40 S&W primarily cause cosmetic damage or break glass. However, a .380 ACP round surprisingly disabled a truck by hitting critical components like the radiator and hood release cable.

What caliber is needed to reliably stop a car engine with a firearm?

Based on the tests, smaller calibers are ineffective. Even common rifle rounds like 5.56 NATO and .308 Win failed. Only a very large caliber, such as the .416 Rigby, proved capable of destroying essential engine components like the carburetor to stop the vehicle.

Which specific firearms were tested for vehicle disablement?

The video featured various firearms including a Smith & Wesson Victory (.22 LR), Glock 19 (9mm), Bul Armory SAS II Air (.40 S&W), Ruger LCP II (.380 ACP), a Sig Sauer 1911 (.45 ACP), a Q Sugar Weasel (5.56 NATO), a CMMG Dissent (7.62x39mm), a Springfield Armory Socom 16 (.308 Win), and a custom .416 Rigby rifle.

What factors determine if a firearm can disable a vehicle?

While caliber is a major factor, the specific location of the impact is crucial. A .380 ACP disabled a truck by hitting the radiator and hood release. Stopping an engine typically requires penetrating the hood and destroying vital components like the carburetor, fuel system, or electrical systems, which demands significant projectile energy.

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