Ella Walter
In a world where video games like PUBG have popularised the idea of deflecting bullets with pans, it is important to understand the reality behind this concept. While it may be tempting to reach for the nearest pan in a dangerous situation, the reality is that most bullets will penetrate common household items, including some bullet-proof vests. The effectiveness of a pan in deflecting a bullet depends on various factors, such as the type of bullet, its velocity, impact angle, and the material and thickness of the pan. While some sources claim that a standard cast iron pan could stop a bullet or two, others argue that it would only work at a certain angle and with specific types of bullets. Ultimately, it is crucial to prioritise safety and seek appropriate cover or assistance in dangerous situations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of pans deflecting bullets | Yes, pans can deflect bullets |
| Factors determining the deflection of bullets | Angle of impact, energy of the bullet, and material of the pan |
| Examples of materials that can deflect bullets | Steel, cast iron, glass, water, ice |
| Effectiveness of pans in stopping bullets | May depend on the type of bullet and angle of impact; may not be as effective as metal body armor |
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What You'll Learn
Pans can stop bullets
It is possible for a bullet to be deflected by a pan. A pan can be an effective shield against bullets, as demonstrated in the video game PUBG, where players can use frying pans to block bullets. In real life, the outcome of a bullet being deflected by a pan depends on several factors, including the type of bullet, the material and thickness of the pan, and the angle of impact.
The effectiveness of a pan as a bullet shield depends on its material and thickness. A standard cast iron pan, for instance, could potentially stop a bullet or two from a small handgun, especially if the bullet hits the pan at an angle. However, it is unlikely to be as effective against rifle rounds, which have a higher velocity and can penetrate most materials, including some "bullet-proof" vests.
The angle of impact plays a crucial role in bullet deflection. When a bullet hits a pan at a 90-degree angle, it is more likely to be destroyed upon impact, depending on the material of the bullet. Most bullets are made of lead and tend to deform or mushroom upon hitting a hard surface. However, if the bullet hits the pan at an angle, it is more likely to ricochet or deflect, changing direction and travelling further.
While a pan may not provide complete protection against bullets, it could potentially deflect or slow them down, increasing your chances of survival in a dangerous situation. However, it is important to prioritize taking cover behind more solid and substantial objects, such as a steel door, a full bookshelf, or a large appliance like a refrigerator, if they are available.
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Mythbusters test
In a test carried out by MythBusters, a father and son duo attempted to shoot a frying pan with a Ruger standard .22 pistol at 25 yards. The first shot missed, the second went through the pan, and the third hit the right side of the pan and deflected, hitting the father in his left gut. The pan acted as a bullet return, and the father sustained an injury that could have been worse. The MythBusters team is usually cautious about safety, and it is unclear why the father was standing behind the shooter. This incident highlights the dangers of shooting at old cookware and the importance of safety precautions.
The MythBusters test attempted to "bust" the myth of the boomerang bullet, which involves shooting a frying pan to deflect the bullet. The test resulted in a mixed outcome, with the second shot penetrating the pan and the third shot deflecting off it. The deflection caused a dangerous situation, injuring the father. The test did not conclusively prove or disprove the boomerang bullet myth but emphasized the risks associated with such experiments.
The test raised questions about the angle and positioning of the pan. Shooting at the back of the pan or angling it differently might have produced different results. The test also highlighted the unpredictable nature of bullet deflection and the potential for serious injury, even at a distance of 25 yards. The MythBusters team's usual emphasis on safety was noted, and the father's presence behind the shooter was considered unusual.
The MythBusters test on the frying pan's ability to deflect bullets resulted in a mixed outcome, with one shot penetrating the pan and another deflecting off it. The deflection caused an injury, underscoring the dangers of such experiments. The test did not conclusively bust the myth but served as a reminder to prioritize safety when handling firearms and shooting at objects like old cookware. The angle and positioning of the pan, as well as the unpredictable nature of bullet deflection, are important considerations in such tests.
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PUBG and real life
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS is a popular video game with millions of subscribers on its subreddit community. In the game, frying pans can be used to deflect bullets. This has led to discussions and comparisons with real-life scenarios.
In real life, it is possible that a standard cast iron pan could stop a bullet or two, especially at a range. However, the effectiveness of a pan in deflecting bullets depends on various factors, such as the angle of impact, the type of bullet, and the material and thickness of the pan. While a pan may be able to deflect small handgun rounds, it is unlikely to be as durable or effective as actual body armour, which is made from specific grades of steel or Kevlar.
The ability of pans to deflect bullets in PUBG has sparked creative ideas among players. Some have jokingly suggested that level 4 armour in the game should be made entirely out of frying pans, while others have taken the concept further, considering the potential for a real-life battle royale experience inspired by PUBG.
In 2019, a millionaire posted a listing on HushHush.com, a website catering to the wealthy, seeking to recreate the thrill of 100-man battles on a private island. The listing sparked discussions about the potential dangers and ethical concerns of such an event, especially if real weapons were involved.
While the idea of using pans to deflect bullets may be entertaining in a video game context, it is important to remember that in real life, the effectiveness of pans against bullets is uncertain, and attempting to replicate such scenarios can be extremely dangerous.
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Cast iron pans
While it may be tempting to reach for the nearest cast-iron pan in a dangerous situation, it is unlikely to offer much protection. A cast-iron pan will not stop a bullet, contrary to what you may have seen in movies.
A cast-iron pan may stop small handgun rounds at most and only at a range. The angle at which the bullet is deflected is also important. However, the velocity of rifle rounds, for example, from an AK-47, is sufficient to penetrate a cast-iron pan.
The grade of steel used in metal body armor is much more specific and thicker than that of a cast-iron pan. The metal armor is designed to absorb the energy of a bullet, whereas a cast-iron pan would likely transfer the energy to the person holding it, resulting in injury.
In conclusion, while a cast-iron pan may provide some protection against small-caliber handgun rounds at a distance, it is not an effective or reliable means of deflecting bullets and should not be depended on in dangerous situations.
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Angle of deflection
The ability of a pan to deflect a bullet depends on various factors, including the angle of incidence, the type of bullet, and the material and thickness of the pan.
The angle of deflection also determines the ricochet velocity. While the bullet loses energy during deflection, it can still retain significant energy and pose a danger. Ricochet velocity remains close to the collision velocity for small angles of deflection. As the angle of deflection increases, the velocity decreases, and air resistance further reduces the velocity of bullet fragments.
The pan's ability to deflect a bullet also depends on its material and thickness. Metal body armour, for example, is made of a specific grade of steel that is thicker than a cast iron frying pan. A thicker pan, combined with a Kevlar lining, might improve its bullet-deflecting capabilities. However, the energy from the bullet would likely be transferred to the person holding the pan, potentially causing injury.
While it is challenging to calculate the exact angle of departure for a deflected bullet, understanding the principles of angle of deflection, ricochet behaviour, and material properties can provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics between pans and bullets.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of bullet, the angle of impact, and the material and thickness of the pan. A pan made of a specific grade of steel with sufficient thickness might be able to deflect a lower-velocity bullet, such as those from a handgun, but it is unlikely to be effective against rifle rounds.
While it is not advisable to rely on household items for bullet protection, some items that may offer some level of protection include a paper-filled filing cabinet, a full bookshelf, or a solid wood door.
According to some sources, a cast-iron pan may be able to stop small handgun rounds at most, but it is not guaranteed and could result in injury.
The angle of impact and the amount of energy the bullet has upon impact are crucial factors. A glancing blow at an angle is more likely to result in deflection, while a head-on collision will depend on the energy of the bullet and the material of the pan.
No, shooting at items like pans or old cookware is dangerous and can result in injury. It is not recommended to conduct such experiments.
