Hollywood Doesn’t Know Guns

Published on March 29, 2026
Duration: 13:04

This video tests common household objects and vehicle components as ballistic cover against various calibers, including .22LR, 9mm, .223 Remington, 300 Blackout, and 12 gauge buckshot. The findings demonstrate that most everyday items offer only concealment, not true ballistic cover, with only specific vehicle doors showing some effectiveness against certain rounds. The experiment highlights the significant difference between cinematic portrayals of gunfights and real-world ballistics.

Quick Summary

Most everyday objects and standard car doors offer only concealment, not true ballistic cover, against common firearm calibers. While some vehicle doors might stop lower-caliber rounds, relying on them for protection in a gunfight is a dangerous misconception.

Frequently Asked Questions

What everyday objects can stop bullets in a real-life scenario?

In real-life ballistics tests, most everyday objects like couches, refrigerators, and standard car doors offer only concealment, not true ballistic cover. Only very specific, reinforced materials or certain vehicle components might stop lower-caliber rounds, but this is not reliable protection.

Can you hide behind a car door during a gunfight?

Hiding behind a standard car door during a gunfight is generally not effective cover. While it might conceal your position, most common rounds, especially from 9mm and larger calibers, will penetrate car doors, offering minimal protection.

Which calibers are most likely to penetrate common household items?

Larger calibers like 9mm, .223 Remington, 300 Blackout, and 12 gauge buckshot are highly likely to penetrate common household items such as couches, dressers, and refrigerators, rendering them ineffective as ballistic cover.

What is the difference between cover and concealment in a firefight?

Concealment is anything that hides your position but does not stop bullets, like a car door or a thin wall. Cover is anything that can stop or significantly slow down incoming projectiles, such as thick concrete, steel, or an engine block.

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