Can a Gas Pump Save Your Life?

Published on December 5, 2018
Duration: 14:48

This video details a comprehensive ballistic test of a decommissioned Shell gas pump, conducted by Edwin Sarkissian, who demonstrates high practical experience in field ballistic testing. The test evaluates the gas pump's effectiveness as cover against various firearm calibers, from 9mm handguns to .50 BMG rifles. Key findings indicate that while the front offers minimal protection, the side profile, particularly the lower section with mechanical components, can effectively stop most common handgun and rifle rounds.

Quick Summary

In ballistic tests, the front of a gas pump offers minimal cover, easily penetrated by 9mm rounds. However, the side profile, particularly the lower section with heavy mechanical components, demonstrates significant resistance, stopping high-power handgun and most rifle calibers. .50 BMG rounds can penetrate and cause ignition within the pump.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Hypothesis
  2. 00:429mm Handgun Test
  3. 01:31Internal Inspection and Repositioning
  4. 03:20Side Panel Ballistic Testing
  5. 05:46Rifle Caliber Testing
  6. 08:52.50 BMG Test and Fire Incident
  7. 12:32Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ballistic effectiveness of a gas pump's front panel?

The front panel of a decommissioned gas pump offers very little ballistic protection. Tests with 9mm rounds showed easy penetration through the display and plastic housing, exiting the rear of the unit.

Can the side of a gas pump stop high-powered handgun rounds?

Surprisingly, yes. The side profile of a gas pump, especially the lower section containing heavy steel motors and internal components, proved capable of stopping powerful handgun rounds such as the .50 AE Desert Eagle and .500 S&W Magnum.

What rifle calibers were tested against the gas pump, and what were the results?

Rifle calibers including .458 SOCOM, 5.56 NATO, and 7.62x39mm were tested against the side panel. Most were stopped, though a specialized .458 SOCOM round managed to exit the rear.

What happened when .50 BMG rounds were fired at the gas pump?

Firing .50 BMG Armor Piercing Incendiary Tracer rounds at the gas pump resulted in significant penetration and caused a fire due to ignition of residual materials within the pump, requiring extensive fire suppression.

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