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

Published on January 20, 2026
Duration: 20:09

Scott from Kentucky Ballistics conducted an experiment to observe the behavior of firearms when fired without being held or braced. The tests involved a range of calibers from 9mm to 50 BMG, demonstrating that even smaller calibers can exhibit significant movement, while larger calibers can result in extreme recoil and unpredictable trajectories. The data highlights the importance of proper firearm control and understanding recoil dynamics.

Quick Summary

When a gun fires without being held or braced, recoil causes it to move. Tests with calibers from 9mm to 50 BMG showed that even smaller firearms can travel several feet, while powerful large-caliber handguns and rifles can exhibit extreme displacement, with the Bond Arms Cyclops 45-70 flying over 36.5 feet.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a gun fires without being held?

When a gun fires without being held or braced, it can move significantly due to recoil. The distance and manner of movement depend on the firearm's caliber, weight, ammunition power, and the presence of features like muzzle brakes. Smaller calibers can still move several feet, while larger calibers can result in extreme displacement and unpredictable trajectories.

Which calibers were tested for unattended firing?

The experiment tested a range of calibers, including 9mm (Glock 17), 357 Magnum (Henry revolver), 44 Magnum (S&W AirLite PD), 500 Magnum (Taurus Raging Hunter), 45-70 (Bond Arms Cyclops), 12 Gauge (Maverick shotgun), 5.56x45mm NATO (AR-15), 6.5 Creedmoor (Savage Axis), and 50 BMG (Serbu RN-50 and Noreen ULR pistol).

Did the 50 BMG rifle move when fired unattended?

The Serbu RN-50 rifle in 50 BMG, due to its heavy weight and effective muzzle brake, only traveled a few feet when fired unattended before sliding off the table. However, the Noreen ULR 'pistol' version of the 50 BMG, lacking a muzzle brake, exhibited violent recoil, throwing the firearm off the table.

Which firearm showed the most extreme movement when fired unattended?

The Bond Arms Cyclops derringer chambered in 45-70, loaded with 405-grain soft point rounds, set a new record in the test, flying back over 36.5 feet when fired unattended. The lightweight Smith & Wesson AirLite PD in 44 Magnum also showed significant movement, traveling 19 feet.

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