What's The Most Dangerous Thing To Shoot?

Published on January 20, 2026
Duration: 1:26

Hickok45, an experienced firearms instructor, details the dangers of close-range shooting, particularly with certain target materials. He warns against birdshot and steel targets due to ricochet risks and highlights wood, like trees and fence posts, as surprisingly hazardous, capable of deflecting even low-velocity rounds like .45 ACP.

Quick Summary

Steel targets and birdshot are dangerous at close range due to ricochets and backsplash. Wood, like trees and fence posts, is also hazardous as low-velocity rounds can deflect. Safer options include paper, bowling pins, and 2-liter bottles, but awareness of what's behind the target is always crucial.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Close-Range Shooting Dangers
  2. 00:15Risks of Birdshot and Steel Targets
  3. 00:30Safe vs. Unsafe Target Materials
  4. 00:55The Unexpected Danger of Wood Targets

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most dangerous targets for close-range shooting?

According to Hickok45, steel targets and birdshot are particularly dangerous at close range due to a high likelihood of ricochets and backsplash. Surprisingly, wood targets like trees and fence posts can also be hazardous, as low-velocity rounds may deflect off them.

Are there safe targets for shooting at close range?

Generally safer options for close-range shooting include paper targets, bowling pins, and 2-liter bottles. However, even these can pose risks as BBs or shot might bounce off them, emphasizing the need to always know your target and what lies beyond it.

Why is shooting wood at close range dangerous?

Wood, such as trees or fence posts, can be unexpectedly dangerous at close range. Low-velocity rounds, like those from a .45 ACP, have a tendency to bounce back off older, dead wood or posts, creating a significant safety hazard for the shooter and bystanders.

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