Are Traffic Light Poles Bulletproof ?

Published on June 1, 2018
Duration: 14:10

This video from Edwin Sarkissian tests the bullet resistance of traffic light poles, a common urban fixture. Using a variety of firearms from handguns like the Glock 19X and Desert Eagle to rifles like the Serbu BFG-50A, the experiment demonstrates that standard poles are surprisingly resilient. While common handgun and intermediate rifle rounds cause only superficial damage or fail to penetrate, the pole is ultimately defeated by a .50 BMG round, highlighting the significant difference in power between typical firearms and anti-materiel calibers.

Quick Summary

Traffic light poles, typically made of 0.25-inch galvanized steel, are highly resistant to common firearms. While 9mm, .50 AE, 5.56 NATO, and 7.62x39mm rounds cause minimal damage or fail to penetrate, the powerful .50 BMG API round successfully pierces the pole, demonstrating its anti-materiel capabilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and .22 LR Test
  2. 01:289mm FMJ Test
  3. 02:35.50 AE Desert Eagle Test
  4. 05:30.500 S&W Magnum Test
  5. 07:44Rifle Caliber Tests (5.56 and 7.62)
  6. 11:11.50 BMG Anti-Materiel Test
  7. 13:01Conclusion and Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers were tested against traffic light poles?

The video tested .22 LR, 9mm FMJ, .50 AE, .500 S&W Magnum, 5.56 NATO, 7.62x39mm, and .50 BMG API rounds against traffic light poles to assess their bullet resistance.

Are traffic light poles bulletproof against common firearms?

No, traffic light poles are not completely bulletproof. While they resist common handgun and intermediate rifle rounds, a powerful .50 BMG API round was shown to penetrate the pole entirely.

What is the typical construction of a traffic light pole?

Traffic light poles are generally constructed from galvanized steel with a thickness of approximately 0.25 inches. This material provides significant resistance to smaller caliber rounds.

Which firearm demonstrated the ability to penetrate a traffic light pole?

The Serbu BFG-50A rifle, chambered in .50 BMG and firing Armor Piercing Incendiary ammunition, was the only firearm tested that successfully achieved complete penetration through the traffic light pole.

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