Ep 29. Firearms Folklore

In the Mythbusters season 4 episode 29 titled "Firearms Folklore," Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman tackle myths related to guns and their effectiveness. The episode explores several common beliefs about firearms and puts them to the test through a series of experiments and demonstrations.

The first myth they tackle is whether or not a gun can fire underwater. They start by testing a standard handgun in a water tank and find that it cannot fire properly due to the water's resistance and the gun's components being unable to withstand the water pressure. However, when they try firing a specially designed underwater gun, they find that it is capable of firing accurately and effectively.

Next, they examine the myth that a person can dodge a bullet by moving quickly. To test this, they use a high-speed camera to record bullets being fired at targets while people attempt to dodge them. They find that even the fastest human movements are not enough to avoid a bullet fired from a reasonably close distance.

The episode then moves on to a common movie trope: the explosion caused by a bullet hitting a gas tank. The Mythbusters rig up several gas tanks with various types of bullets and guns and attempt to recreate the explosions seen in movies. They find that, in reality, gas tanks are much harder to ignite than movies would have you believe, and it takes a specific set of circumstances for a gas tank to explode as it does in films.

The fourth myth they explore is whether or not a person can shoot a gun out of another person's hand. They set up a test where Jamie attempts to shoot a gun out of Adam's hand while wearing body armor. They find that it is indeed possible to hit the gun with a bullet, but hitting it in such a way as to knock it out of Adam's hand is highly unlikely.

Finally, the episode examines the myth that a person can shoot a propane tank and cause it to explode. They try shooting at several propane tanks with various types of guns and ammunition but find that the tanks are incredibly resilient and do not explode easily. In fact, they require a specialized type of ammunition to ignite and explode.

Throughout the episode, Adam and Jamie provide interesting commentary on the various myths they test and the science behind them. They also consult with firearms experts and conduct thorough research to ensure the accuracy of their experiments. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a better understanding of the myths surrounding firearms and the truth behind them.