Effects of 9mm & .45 ACP Through a Windshield - TheFirearmGuy

Published on September 6, 2020
Duration: 8:02

This expert-level analysis from TheFirearmGuy details the effects of 9mm and .45 ACP rounds fired through a vehicle windshield. The testing, conducted by an experienced instructor, reveals that a standard windshield offers negligible protection against these common handgun calibers. Both 9mm 115gr hollow points and .45 ACP 230gr hollow points penetrated the glass with minimal deflection, impacting a mannequin positioned behind it. While the .45 ACP generally created larger wound channels and more dramatic facial damage on the target, the overall conclusion is that neither caliber is significantly impeded by a windshield, rendering occupants vulnerable.

Quick Summary

A vehicle windshield offers no significant ballistic protection against 9mm or .45 ACP rounds. Both calibers penetrate the glass with minimal deflection, impacting targets behind the vehicle. While .45 ACP may cause slightly more dramatic damage, the windshield is not a reliable barrier.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Windshield Test
  2. 00:10Windshield Setup and Distance
  3. 00:42Ammunition and Firearms Used
  4. 01:05Testing Angles
  5. 01:26First Shots: 9mm Straight On
  6. 01:54Analysis of 9mm Straight On Shots
  7. 03:06Second Shots: .45 ACP Straight On
  8. 03:33Analysis of .45 ACP Straight On Shots
  9. 04:08Observed Effects from Straight On
  10. 04:25Third Shots: 9mm at an Angle
  11. 04:46Analysis of 9mm Angled Shots
  12. 05:23Fourth Shots: .45 ACP at an Angle
  13. 05:46Analysis of .45 ACP Angled Shots
  14. 06:02Overall Comparison and Conclusion
  15. 07:25Future Testing and Video Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a car windshield stop bullets from 9mm or .45 ACP?

No, a standard vehicle windshield offers negligible ballistic protection against common handgun rounds like 9mm and .45 ACP. Testing shows both calibers penetrate the glass with minimal deflection, impacting targets behind the vehicle.

What is the difference in performance between 9mm and .45 ACP through a windshield?

While both calibers penetrate a windshield effectively, .45 ACP rounds tend to create larger entry holes and more dramatic damage on the target. However, the difference in barrier penetration is not significant enough to consider the windshield a reliable defense.

What type of ammunition was used in the windshield ballistic test?

The test utilized 115-grain jacketed hollow point ammunition for the 9mm caliber and 230-grain Remington Golden Saber Black Belt hollow points for the .45 ACP caliber.

Does shooting at an angle affect bullet penetration through a windshield?

In this test, shooting at an approximate 45-degree angle through the windshield did not significantly alter the penetration or terminal effects of 9mm or .45 ACP rounds on the target compared to straight-on shots.

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