Pistol vs. Rifle

Published on January 6, 2026
Duration: 0:17

This video demonstrates a ballistic comparison between a 9mm custom pistol and an M16-style rifle, using a large fixed-blade knife as a target. The custom pistol's 9mm round impacted the knife without severing it, while the rifle's 5.56x45mm NATO round successfully cut the knife in half. The demonstration highlights the significant difference in terminal energy and penetration capabilities between common pistol and rifle calibers.

Quick Summary

An M16A1 style rifle firing 5.56x45mm NATO successfully cut a steel knife in half, while a 9mm custom pistol's projectile deflected or shattered upon impact without severing the blade. This highlights the substantial difference in terminal ballistics and penetration power between rifle and pistol cartridges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pistol vs. Rifle
  2. 00:04Target Setup: Knife as Ballistic Target
  3. 00:05Pistol Test: 9mm Impact on Knife
  4. 00:09Rifle Test: 5.56x45mm Impact on Knife

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the outcome of the pistol shot on the knife?

The 9mm projectile from the custom pistol impacted the steel knife blade but did not cut through it. The bullet either shattered or deflected upon impact, leaving the knife intact.

How did the rifle perform against the knife target?

The M16A1 style rifle fired a 5.56x45mm NATO round that successfully cut the steel knife blade cleanly in half, demonstrating a significant difference in energy and penetration.

What calibers were compared in the video?

The video compared a 9mm caliber, estimated for the custom pistol, against a 5.56x45mm NATO caliber, fired from the M16A1 style rifle.

What kind of target was used for the ballistic test?

A large, fixed-blade survival knife was used as the target. It was mounted on a stand to observe how the projectiles from the pistol and rifle would interact with its steel blade.

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