Penny Self Defense Techniques (Are Pennies Still Useful ???)

Published on December 30, 2025
Duration: 19:09

This video from Kentucky Ballistics explores the effectiveness of pennies as improvised projectiles for self-defense. Expert Scott demonstrates various methods, from simple throwing to loading them into firearms like a 10-gauge shotgun and a 2-bore blunderbuss. The tests reveal that while pennies have limited effectiveness in basic forms, they can become surprisingly destructive when used as shotgun slugs or fired from large-caliber muzzleloaders, highlighting their potential as improvised ballistic agents.

Quick Summary

Tests by Kentucky Ballistics reveal that pennies can be surprisingly effective as improvised ballistic projectiles when loaded into firearms. While basic methods like throwing are ineffective, 10-gauge shotgun shells filled with pennies, especially when soldered, act as devastating slugs. A 2-bore blunderbuss with penny loads also demonstrated extreme destructive potential.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Concept
  2. 03:13Throwing Pennies
  3. 04:04Punching with Pennies
  4. 05:27Penny Sock and Slingshot
  5. 07:4310-Gauge Penny Loads
  6. 10:37Soldered Penny Loads
  7. 12:042-Bore Blunderbuss Penny Loads
  8. 16:54Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pennies effective for self-defense?

While loose pennies or rolls of pennies offer minimal defensive capability, custom-loaded shotgun shells with pennies, especially when soldered, can act as devastating projectiles. Large-caliber muzzleloaders like a 2-bore blunderbuss also show significant destructive potential with penny loads.

What is the most effective way to use pennies for self-defense?

According to tests by Kentucky Ballistics, using pennies as projectiles in a 10-gauge shotgun, particularly when soldered into a slug, is the most effective method. These loads create massive wounds and significant hydraulic shock.

What firearms were used to test penny projectiles?

The video features tests using a single-shot break-action 10-gauge shotgun and a custom 2-bore blunderbuss named 'The Mule'. Both firearms were loaded with various configurations of pennies.

What kind of damage can penny projectiles cause?

Penny projectiles fired from firearms can cause substantial damage. A 10-gauge load created a massive entrance and exit wound, while soldered pennies acted like a large slug. The 2-bore blunderbuss loads were described as 'giant torpedoes'.

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