Can a Gas Pump Save Your Life?

Published on December 5, 2018
Duration: 14:48

This video tests a decommissioned gas pump's ballistic protection. The front offers minimal cover, easily penetrated by 9mm rounds. However, the side profile, particularly the lower half with internal components, effectively stops common handgun and rifle calibers, including .50 AE, .500 S&W Magnum, .458 SOCOM, 5.56 NATO, and 7.62x39mm. High-power .50 BMG rounds penetrate and cause ignition.

Quick Summary

The side profile of a gas pump, particularly the lower half containing mechanical components, offers substantial ballistic protection and can stop common handgun and rifle calibers. However, the front is ineffective, and high-power .50 BMG rounds can penetrate and cause fires.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Gas Pump Ballistic Test Hypothesis
  2. 00:429mm Handgun Test vs. Gas Pump Front
  3. 01:31Internal Inspection & Side Panel Prep
  4. 03:20Heavy Handgun Caliber Test (.50 AE, .500 S&W)
  5. 05:46Rifle Caliber Test (.458 SOCOM, 5.56, 7.62x39)
  6. 08:52.50 BMG Test & Fire Incident
  7. 12:32Final Assessment: Gas Pump Cover Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the front of a gas pump offer ballistic protection?

No, the front of a gas pump provides very little ballistic protection. Testing showed that 9mm rounds easily penetrate the display and plastic housing, exiting the rear of the unit.

Can the side of a gas pump stop handgun rounds?

Yes, the side profile of a gas pump, especially the lower section with internal mechanical components, demonstrated the ability to stop powerful handgun rounds like 9mm, .50 AE, and .500 S&W Magnum.

What rifle calibers can a gas pump side stop?

The side of a gas pump effectively stopped most common rifle rounds tested, including .458 SOCOM, 5.56 NATO (Green Tip), and 7.62x39mm, though specialized penetrator rounds could still exit.

What happens when a .50 BMG round hits a gas pump?

A .50 BMG round, particularly APIT ammunition, can penetrate the gas pump and ignite residual fuels or materials, causing a significant fire that requires extensive extinguishing efforts.

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