will pistols work if stuck in concrete?

Introduction

In a fascinating demonstration, a team of enthusiasts tested whether four different pistols would still function after being encased in concrete. The idea arose when a grandparent asked for help in mixing concrete for a fencing project, and the guns were left laying around, accidentally ending up in the buckets of concrete. This article details the results of their experiment with varying handguns, including a Taurus revolver, a High Point, a Glock 19, and a Smith & Wesson .500 Magnum.

The Setup

The pistols varied in type and caliber, and each was loaded with three rounds before being accidentally submerged in concrete:

• Taurus Revolver 38 Special: Known for its reliability, this revolver had three rounds ready to fire.
• High Point 9mm: A favorite among some enthusiasts, this firearm is often viewed humorously due to its less glamorous reputation.
• Glock 19: A highly regarded handgun known for its versatility and reliability in the field.
• Smith & Wesson .500 Magnum: This powerful revolver, known for its formidable stopping power, was loaded with high-pressure rounds.

The concrete was estimated to have a compressive strength of 3000 to 9000 psi, curing for over a week, solidifying the scenario for the test.

The Experiment

Surprisingly, when the team started firing the handguns, the results were quite unexpected. The Taurus revolver fired all three rounds without significant issues. Overall, there was minimal damage or malfunction observed. The same outcome was noted with the Glock 19 as well; it managed to fire rounds without any explosions or bursts, although the concrete built up within the barrel was a concern.

However, the most notable feature of the experiment was the Smith & Wesson .500 Magnum. Upon testing, the intense pressure generated by the gun led to the concrete crushing the barrel, resulting in a spectacular split. This not only showed the strength of the concrete but also demonstrated that the bullet, while loaded, could not exit the barrel due to the blockage caused by the concrete.

The Aftermath

After the initial testing, it was evident that those firearms would require substantial effort to retrieve from the concrete. The team considered various methods for extraction, including using a jackhammer or other heavy tools. They hinted that a follow-up video could explore the retrieval process, emphasizing the unique nature of the find.

Conclusion

This experiment showcases both the resilience and limits of firearms when faced with atypical conditions. Despite the overwhelming mixture of concrete, there were no catastrophic failures. It raises an interesting question about what happens to firearms when subjected to unusual environments.

Keyword

• Pistols
• Concrete
• Taurus revolver
• High Point
• Glock 19
• Smith & Wesson .500 Magnum
• Firearms testing
• Compression strength
• Performance

FAQ

Q: Can pistols still fire if they are submerged in concrete?
A: The experiment conducted revealed that some pistols, like the Taurus revolver and Glock 19, were able to fire after being encased in concrete.

Q: What happened to the Smith & Wesson .500 Magnum?
A: The high pressure generated during firing caused the concrete to crush the barrel, resulting in a split, while the bullet remained stuck.

Q: How were the pistols tested after being stuck in concrete?
A: The team fired each pistol to see if they would function as intended, despite being encased in concrete.

Q: What extraction methods did the team consider for the trapped guns?
A: They considered using a jackhammer and discussed the possibility of making a follow-up video demonstrating the extraction process.

Q: What are the implications of this experiment for firearm safety?
A: The results indicate that while firearms can endure extreme conditions, caution must always be taken when handling or storing firearms in unusual environments.