Padlock vs. firearm

[Paul Davidson]

Padlocks and firearms are gadgets more or less, so I guess this is the appropriate forum for this.

We've all seen people in movies shoot padlocks off of doors, chains, and treasure chests. Special shotgun rounds exist for breeching locks too, or so I'm told. I seem to remember Masterlock shooting their locks on a commercial several years back to show how strong they are.

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot5.htm

The guys on the website at the above link decided to see what they could do with the guns they had. These were even generic locks, but they fared well. It's a pretty interesting test. Of course a cheap pair of long handled bolt cutters would make short work of them.

 

[Gollnick]

What a fascinating website.

As to the locks, well keep in mind that the majority of a lock's mechanism has to do with unlocking. Locking is a function of just two metal parts. So, unless the bullet destroys one of those two parts, the result is likely to be a lock that remains locked but can not be unlocked, just what he found.

 

[tonyccw]

But they didn't test the actual TV mode of shooting down at the lock, effectively using the bullet like a big hammer.....

 

[Paul Davidson]

What a fascinating website.

As to the locks, well keep in mind that the majority of a lock's mechanism has to do with unlocking. Locking is a function of just two metal parts. So, unless the bullet destroys one of those two parts, the result is likely to be a lock that remains locked but can not be unlocked, just what he found.

You are correct about the locks. I was really just amused/impressed that they took the time to test it.

The other stuff on the website is pretty cool. I would like to hang out with these guys.

 

[Paul Davidson]

But they didn't test the actual TV mode of shooting down at the lock, effectively using the bullet like a big hammer.....

That's true. They probably didn't like the idea of taking a riccochet in the crotch. :barf:

It does show they weren't totally committed to their experiment. "Take a bullet for science!"

 

[mwerner]

The idea of whanging rounds off a large metal object at close range seems...Unwise.

Impressive effects from the slug!

I imagine you could shoot your way through the typical modern wooden door, but those things are so flimsy you would do better just to kick it. Thats what burglars do. Usually, half the jamb comes off the wall as well.

 

[freddy1]

Whowwww, really funny site !
I like when they compare movie to reality !
With their test, you also see the difference of power of each caliber.

What i really find funny in movie is when there is shooting fight and the good (or bad guy) try to protect himself against M16 bullet behind a table, a chair or whatever thin wooden material...
i would personnaly just run like a rabbit !

 

[Grim/Don]

Excellent site, informative and funny! I read the one on locks, then read all the rest. The AK round that penetrated the "armor" and then left the crater in the clay was scary!

 

[Troll Bait From Hell]

Gotta love those 12 guage slugs (especially the Brenneke ones)!

 

[johnniet]

The idea of whanging rounds off a large metal object at close range seems...Unwise.

Impressive effects from the slug!

I imagine you could shoot your way through the typical modern wooden door, but those things are so flimsy you would do better just to kick it. Thats what burglars do. Usually, half the jamb comes off the wall as well.

Where would you kick a door to break it open? The lock side? The jamb side? Or are you trying to break the wood open?

For emergency use only, of course -- but if it ever comes up, we should probably know ahead of time.

 

[Temper]

Where would you kick a door to break it open? The lock side? The jamb side? Or are you trying to break the wood open?

For emergency use only, of course -- but if it ever comes up, we should probably know ahead of time.

Kick the lock part, dead on. You are trying to do one of a few things
(All of this assumes the door opens in. If it opens out (a' la crack houses) then you cant batter the door in as you are going against the whole frame, this gives the bangers time for a last smoke or at least to flush stuff )

Splinter the door frame area where the lock recess is (This is the easiest unless its a metal door, then you are screwed)
Break the lock itself out/off of the door (Quite easy if its in a hollow POS modern door, not quite so easy in an oaken one, if it is then time to call the ortho specialist)
Break the door itself (This will only work if you can penetrate the door or its flimsy enough to break either above or below the lock.

 

[Krull]

I would think smart folk carry a sledgehammer in the trunk for this job!
(I may try bounty hunting one day...)

 

[enkidu]

Great site! This quote from the "Misc rounds" page

It [.45-70, 515 grain round @ 1500 fps] went through 12 boards of sheetrock, busted the water jug really nicely, busted the brick to pieces, and exited the back board...

...carrying a brick and half of the back pine board with it, and was last seen headed down range, mad as the dickens.

caused me to spew water all over my desk. Fortunately, I missed the keyboard and screen. I'd be curious to know how a 375 H&H or 416 Rigby would do. Shooting stuff is fun

 

[mwerner]

Having looked at many burglary scenes over the years, I can testify that much security hardware that's sold is absolutely useless. Nothing like a big, impressive-looking deadbolt lock with a 2" bolt-throw set in a jamb that's so flimsy a good sneeze would take it out.

Many interior office doors can be opened by simply grabbing the doorknob and pulling up and towards the hinges sharply. The combination of flex in the door-frame and the short throw of the typical lock (plus installation slop) makes 'em pop right open.

Another annoyance is heavy, sturdy-looking hasp sets delivered with 1/2" wood screws...