Gun Myths Debunked: Are Shotguns In the Movies Real?

Published on February 22, 2018
Duration: 1:14

This video debunks the common movie myth that a shotgun blast sends a person flying backward. It explains that while shotguns have significant recoil, the physics of action and reaction mean the shooter would experience an equal and opposite force. The video also touches on the velocity and penetration capabilities of different shotgun loads, clarifying their effectiveness in stopping a threat without causing unrealistic cinematic effects.

Quick Summary

The common movie trope of a shotgun blast sending a person flying backward is a myth. Physics dictates an equal and opposite reaction; the recoil felt by the shooter is the counter-force. While shotgun pellets travel at high velocities (around 1,100 ft/s) and can penetrate, they do not cause the exaggerated cinematic effect.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Movie Shotgun Myth
  2. 00:05Physics of Recoil: Action vs. Reaction
  3. 00:23Shotgun Load Types and Force
  4. 00:33Pellet Velocity and Penetration
  5. 00:42Fast Steel vs. Standard Loads
  6. 00:53Bismuth Shot Properties
  7. 01:03Conclusion: Realistic Shotgun Effects

Frequently Asked Questions

Do shotguns really make people fly backward in real life?

No, the idea of a shotgun blast sending a person flying backward is a movie myth. The laws of physics dictate an equal and opposite reaction; if the target moved significantly, the shooter would experience a similar force, which is not enough to cause such an extreme effect.

What is the typical velocity of shotgun pellets?

Standard shotgun loads, such as one-ounce loads of birdshot or slugs, typically travel at around 1,100 feet per second. Some specialized loads, like 'Fast Steel,' can reach velocities closer to 1,400 feet per second.

How effective are shotgun pellets at stopping a threat?

Shotgun pellets traveling at velocities around 1,100 feet per second are capable of penetrating the body and are effective at stopping a threat. However, they do not cause the unrealistic 'flying backward' effect often portrayed in movies.

What's the difference between lead and bismuth shotgun shot?

Bismuth shot is denser and heavier than lead shot, which means it can penetrate deeper. Both types of shot travel at similar velocities, typically between 1,000 and 1,200 feet per second.

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