Cutting the Hangman's Rope with a Bullet| Gun Myths with Jerry Miculek (4K UHD)

Published on January 8, 2015
Duration: 7:21

This video debunks the movie trope of easily cutting a hangman's rope with a bullet. World-renowned shooter Jerry Miculek demonstrates that while a powerful rifle round like the .45-70 can sever a thick rope, a .45 Colt revolver is insufficient. The test highlights the importance of bullet momentum and caliber in achieving such a feat, offering an educational yet entertaining look at firearm capabilities.

Quick Summary

World-renowned shooter Jerry Miculek tested the movie myth of cutting a hangman's rope with bullets. His findings indicate that while powerful rifle calibers like the .45-70 with heavy bullets can succeed, handguns like the .45 Colt are insufficient, highlighting the importance of bullet momentum.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro Skit
  2. 01:01Myth Introduction
  3. 02:35Test 1: .45 Colt Revolver
  4. 03:00Test 2: .45-70 Sharps Rifle
  5. 05:26Test 3: .50 BMG Rifle
  6. 06:31Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a handgun bullet cut a hangman's rope?

According to Jerry Miculek's test, a .45 Colt round from a revolver was not powerful enough to sever a 3/4 inch sisal rope under significant tension, debunking a common movie trope.

What caliber is best for cutting a thick rope with a bullet?

Jerry Miculek's demonstration showed that a heavy rifle caliber like the .45-70 Government, specifically with a 500-grain bullet, was effective in cleanly cutting a 3/4 inch rope.

Is the movie scene of cutting a hangman's rope with a bullet realistic?

No, the myth is largely unrealistic, especially when depicted with handguns. While powerful rifle rounds can achieve it, the ease shown in movies is typically not accurate for most firearms.

What factors determine if a bullet can cut a rope?

The ability of a bullet to cut a rope depends heavily on its momentum, which is a product of its mass (bullet weight) and velocity. Heavier, faster bullets carry more energy and are more likely to sever thick ropes.

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