Can a Filing Cabinet Save Your Life?

Published on January 1, 2016
Duration: 11:27

This video scientifically tests the effectiveness of a metal filing cabinet as ballistic cover against common firearm calibers. While it can stop some handgun rounds, especially with internal contents like books and magazines, it fails against higher-velocity rifle rounds like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm. The conclusion is that a filing cabinet offers minimal protection and should not be relied upon as a primary defensive barrier.

Quick Summary

A metal filing cabinet offers limited ballistic protection. While it can stop some .380 ACP and 9mm rounds, especially when filled with dense items, it is easily penetrated by rifle calibers like 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm. It's better than nothing but not reliable cover.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Filing Cabinet Ballistic Test
  2. 00:47.380 ACP Test Results
  3. 02:539mm Test with Glock 26
  4. 04:445.56 NATO Test with Colt 6920
  5. 06:457.62x39mm Test with Arsenal SAM7
  6. 09:16Conclusion: Filing Cabinet as Cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a filing cabinet stop bullets?

A metal filing cabinet can stop some handgun rounds like .380 ACP, especially if filled with dense materials. However, it is generally ineffective against higher-powered rifle calibers such as 5.56 NATO and 7.62x39mm, which will easily penetrate.

Is a filing cabinet good home defense cover?

While a filing cabinet offers more protection than nothing, it is not reliable cover for home defense. Rifle rounds penetrate easily, and even handgun rounds show significant penetration, making it a poor choice for serious ballistic protection.

What calibers were tested against the filing cabinet?

The test included .380 ACP fired from a VZ 61, 9mm from a Glock 26, 5.56 NATO from a Colt 6920, and 7.62x39mm from an Arsenal SAM7.

Do the contents of a filing cabinet improve its ballistic resistance?

Yes, the contents like thick magazines and books can help absorb energy and stop some handgun rounds that might otherwise penetrate. However, this added resistance is insufficient against rifle caliber ammunition.

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