Can Your AR-15 Stop Bullets | How Far Will Vortex’s Warranty Really Go?

Published on May 2, 2024
Duration: 9:52

This video tests the ability of an AR-15 platform, specifically its Vortex Strike Eagle optic, to stop incoming projectiles. The experiment involves shooting the firearm with various calibers, including 9mm, 5.56x45mm, and 12 gauge buckshot, to assess penetration. The durability of the Vortex Strike Eagle optic under direct impact is also evaluated, leading to a subsequent inquiry into Vortex's warranty policy for such extreme use cases.

Quick Summary

An AR-15 platform, equipped with a Vortex Strike Eagle optic, was tested to see if it could stop incoming bullets. Projectiles from 9mm, 5.56x45mm, and 12 gauge buckshot were fired at the firearm. While the optic sustained damage, it prevented penetration in several instances, and Vortex ultimately honored its warranty.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Bullet Velocity and Stopping Power
  2. 00:15The Question: Can an AR-15 Stop Bullets?
  3. 00:51Test Setup: AR-15 with Vortex Strike Eagle
  4. 01:42Test 1: 22LR vs. Optic and Receiver
  5. 02:12Test 2: 9mm vs. Optic and Receiver
  6. 03:03Sponsor Segment: Sportsman's Guide
  7. 03:48Test 3: 5.56x45mm vs. Optic and Receiver
  8. 04:51Test 4: 12 Gauge Buckshot vs. Optic and Receiver
  9. 06:00Vortex Warranty Inquiry
  10. 06:26Update: Warranty Outcome and Discussion
  11. 08:08Email from Vortex Regarding Warranty
  12. 08:55Conclusion: Can Your Gun Stop Bullets?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an AR-15 be used to stop bullets?

Yes, an AR-15 platform can be used to stop incoming bullets. In testing, the firearm's receiver and even its optic demonstrated the ability to impede or stop projectiles from calibers like 9mm and 5.56x45mm, preventing penetration in some scenarios.

How durable is a Vortex Strike Eagle optic?

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 optic, while not designed for direct projectile impact, showed a surprising resilience. It sustained significant damage from 9mm and 5.56x45mm rounds but prevented penetration in some tests. Vortex ultimately honored its warranty for the damaged optic.

What calibers were used to test the AR-15's bullet-stopping capability?

The AR-15 and its Vortex Strike Eagle optic were subjected to projectiles from 22LR, 9mm (115 grain FMJ), 5.56x45mm, and 12 gauge buckshot during the testing phase to assess their stopping power.

Will Vortex warranty an optic damaged by bullets?

In this specific case, Vortex replaced a Strike Eagle 1-6x24 optic that was damaged by direct bullet impacts, even though such use is extreme. They replaced it with a newer model, indicating a willingness to stand behind their products even in unconventional failure scenarios.

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