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 .22 LR, 9mm, .223, 12 gauge, and 300 Blackout. The experiment uses ballistic dummies to determine if objects provide cover (stopping rounds) or concealment (not stopping rounds). Results indicate that most everyday items offer minimal to no effective cover against common firearm calibers, with only certain materials and calibers showing potential to stop rounds.

Quick Summary

Hiding behind everyday objects like couches, fridges, or car doors in a firefight is often depicted in movies but is largely ineffective and can lead to being killed. Most of these items provide concealment, not true ballistic cover, with larger calibers consistently penetrating.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Movie Gun Myths
  2. 00:11Testing Calibers & Objects
  3. 00:28Fridge Ballistics Test
  4. 01:38Minivan Door Ballistics
  5. 02:25Dresser Ballistics Test
  6. 02:389mm Through Car Door
  7. 03:51Coffee Table vs. Bullets
  8. 04:36Car Ballistics: Shooting Through Doors
  9. 05:119mm Through Two Doors & Seat
  10. 06:039mm Through Dash & Doors
  11. 07:36Couch vs. Buckshot
  12. 07:44Minivan Doors vs. 12 Gauge
  13. 08:35Fridge vs. 12 Gauge
  14. 09:15.223 Remington Ballistics
  15. 09:459mm Through Car Dash
  16. 10:20300 Blackout Ballistics
  17. 11:20Car Seat vs. 300 Blackout & .223
  18. 12:40Conclusion: Movie Myths Debunked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hide behind a car door during a gunfight?

While a car door might offer some concealment, it's generally not reliable ballistic cover against most common firearm calibers. Some tests show 9mm rounds can be stopped or deflected by certain car doors, but larger calibers like .223 and 300 Blackout will likely penetrate.

Do refrigerators stop bullets?

No, refrigerators typically do not stop bullets effectively. Tests show that common calibers like .22 LR and 9mm can easily penetrate refrigerator doors, offering minimal to no ballistic protection.

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

Concealment is anything that hides you from view, like a thin wall or a car door, but doesn't stop bullets. Cover is anything that can actually stop incoming rounds, such as thick concrete, steel, or a substantial engine block.

Which calibers are most likely to penetrate everyday objects?

Larger and higher-velocity calibers like .223 Remington, 300 Blackout, and 12 gauge shotgun rounds are most likely to penetrate everyday objects. Even 9mm rounds can easily pass through many common household items and vehicle components.

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