Is Your Front Door Bulletproof? (Solid Wood vs. Steel)

Published on November 12, 2024
Duration: 10:41

This guide details a ballistic test comparing the effectiveness of solid wood and steel exterior doors against various projectiles, including firearms and a compound bow. The Yee Yee Life host demonstrates that neither door offers true bulletproof protection, with most tested calibers penetrating both. The solid wood door showed slightly better resistance against an arrow, while the steel door's peephole was identified as a vulnerability. The test emphasizes practical home defense considerations regarding door security.

Quick Summary

Testing reveals that neither solid wood nor standard steel exterior doors are truly bulletproof. While a solid wood door stopped a compound bow arrow that penetrated a steel door, both were easily penetrated by common firearm calibers like 12-gauge buckshot, 9mm, and 5.56 NATO. The peephole on the steel door was noted as a specific vulnerability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Door Comparison
  2. 01:11Ammunition and Weaponry Overview
  3. 01:3512-Gauge Birdshot Test
  4. 02:2712-Gauge Buckshot and Slug Tests
  5. 04:32Handgun and Rifle Caliber Tests
  6. 08:38Compound Bow Test and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Are solid wood or steel doors bulletproof for home defense?

Based on testing, neither solid wood nor standard steel exterior doors are truly bulletproof. Most common firearm calibers, including 12-gauge buckshot, 9mm, .45 ACP, and 5.56 NATO, were shown to penetrate both types of doors during the Yee Yee Life test.

Which type of door offers better ballistic resistance: solid wood or steel?

In the tested scenario, a solid wood door stopped a compound bow arrow that penetrated a steel door. However, both doors were penetrated by various firearm rounds, suggesting limited ballistic advantage for either against bullets, though wood showed some resistance to lower-velocity projectiles.

What are the weak points of a steel exterior door for home defense?

During ballistic testing, the peephole on the steel door was identified as a significant structural weak point. This area, often made of glass or a less reinforced material, can be a vulnerability for penetration even if the rest of the door offers some resistance.

What types of ammunition were used to test door ballistic resistance?

The test included a range of ammunition, such as 12-gauge birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, as well as common handgun and rifle calibers like .22 LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, and 5.56 NATO. A compound bow arrow was also used.

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