Can A Door Stop A Bullet?

Published on August 28, 2016
Duration: 5:22

This video tests the ballistic penetration capabilities of various common firearm calibers through a simulated solid wood door. The experiment demonstrates that while a .22 Long Rifle round may be stopped, both 9mm FMJ and .45 ACP hollow points can penetrate standard doors. A simulated solid oak door proved more effective at stopping a .45 ACP hollow point.

Quick Summary

Testing reveals that standard interior doors are unlikely to stop common handgun rounds like 45 ACP hollow points or 9mm FMJ. While a .22 Long Rifle round may be stopped initially, repeated shots can penetrate. A simulated solid oak door, however, demonstrated the ability to stop a .45 ACP hollow point.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Door vs. Bullet Debate
  2. 00:28Testing Setup: Door and Water Buckets
  3. 00:36Test 1: 45 ACP Hollow Point Penetration
  4. 01:42Test 2: 9mm Full Metal Jacket Penetration
  5. 02:13Test 3: 22 Long Rifle Hollow Point Penetration
  6. 02:34Close Range 22LR Test
  7. 03:01Discussion: Door Material and Oak Simulation
  8. 03:25Test 4: Simulated Oak Door vs. 45 ACP
  9. 04:27Conclusion: Door Ballistic Resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a standard interior door stop a 45 ACP hollow point bullet?

In this test, a standard door did not stop a .45 ACP hollow point. The bullet passed completely through the door and continued through a 5-gallon bucket of water placed behind it, indicating significant penetration capability.

Will a 9mm FMJ round penetrate a typical door?

Yes, a 9mm Full Metal Jacket round was shown to penetrate the tested door. It also passed through the front of a 5-gallon water bucket, demonstrating its ability to go through common household barriers.

Can a .22 Long Rifle bullet penetrate a wooden door?

A .22 Long Rifle hollow point round did not penetrate the standard door in the initial test. However, when fired multiple times at close range into the same spot, it was able to penetrate the door, though it did not exit a water bucket behind it.

What kind of door material is best for stopping bullets?

The test simulated a solid oak door, over an inch and a half thick. This material proved effective at stopping a .45 ACP hollow point round, cracking the wood but preventing penetration, suggesting denser hardwoods offer better resistance.

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