Author Topic: Can you 'shoot off' handcuffs like in the movies? (Read 2377 times)

SaveFerris · « **on:** January 05, 2006, 05:14:10 AM »

Oftentimes in movies, a handcuffed person busts out of handcuffs with a pistol of some kind.

I havent shot much but Im pretty sure this is impossible. Wouldnt it hurt your wrists? Would a bullet from a pistol even penetrate handcuffs? Is there a caliber that could?

Im familiar with the 'artistic license' movies take with exaggerating this kind of stuff. I would love to hear some experienced people weigh in on this. Thanks!

ShadowMover · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2006, 06:11:25 AM »

I shot a padlock off a chain once. I used a 250 grain SWC WW 44 Mag with 19 grains of 2400. I hit it on the top between where the hasp (?) goes into the body of the lock. It was a name brand lock and it broke apart. I sure wouldn't have wanted any part of my anatomy near it when it was shot. There was lead all over the place. I think this is more likely a movie trick used by the writers to simplify the plot, like the hit on the head to render an opponent unconscious. If you get hit on the head hard enough to get rendered unconscious you are in mortal danger. That's my $.02 worth.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2006, 08:37:49 AM »

C'mon now...You've got to be kidding...Right?

SaveFerris · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2006, 08:55:41 AM »

nope Im serious! Ive only fired a handgun a few times and never at anything but a paper target.

Im pretty sure its not possible but Id like to hear what would happen if someone shot handcuffs with different calibers, what caliber people speculate is necessary to blowthem off, where they would have to be hit (in the movies, they're shot on the chain I think) and what would happen to the persons hands.

There was a big discussion about it at my office and im looking for some knowledgable feedback!

Thanks!

knight0334 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2006, 09:00:01 AM »

The smart thing to do is NOT do anything to have yourself placed in handcuffs.. ....so you'd never have to worry about it.

dave375hh · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:23:13 AM »

Is it possible sure, anythings possible but my money's on the cuffs holding up. A good heavy axe would be a better option if you had someone to swing it. All things considered it's just Hollywood BS. Like the 37 shot Colt SAA of the old cowboy flicks. If the bullet worked it wouldn't matter because the hands and or wrists would be baddly injured by bullet splash. I don't know but maybe all the blood would allow them to slide off what was left of their hands. Sarcasam aside, I vote NO.

shermbob · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2006, 11:32:23 AM »

serious burn from muzzle flash , fragments or slug through the hand or wrist , possible broken wrist sure it can be done . The real question is how big a gun do u need 9mm doubtfull 10mm maybe 357 or bigger prob . knight0334 had it right The smart thing to do is NOT do anything to have yourself placed in handcuffs.. ....so you'd never have to worry about it.
shermbob

southern utah · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2006, 06:05:30 PM »

probably easier to do the coyote trick and chew your hand off.

PaulS · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2006, 07:57:20 PM »

Real handcuffs are mage of a hardened stel alloy that can't be cut with a hacksaw. The chain or link (two types) that connects them are the week link but no pistol bullet is going to break that chain. The bullet would fragment and injure the person wearing the cuffs and the impack of the bullet hitting the cuffs would cause some minor damage to the wrists. If you would like to find out if this is possible write or email Myth Busters - this is right up their alley. (safer than trying it with a buddy)

Paul

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #9 on:** January 05, 2006, 09:58:40 PM »

Uh, don't try it at home.

williamlayton · « **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2006, 10:14:21 PM »

I think, nope, will not work, bad idea, hurt like the dickens, will not break cuffs, will break body parts.
Blessings

oso45-70 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 06, 2006, 04:18:05 AM »

Quote from: SaveFerris

Oftentimes in movies, a handcuffed person busts out of handcuffs with a pistol of some kind.

I havent shot much but Im pretty sure this is impossible. Wouldnt it hurt your wrists? Would a bullet from a pistol even penetrate handcuffs? Is there a caliber that could?

Im familiar with the 'artistic license' movies take with exaggerating this kind of stuff. I would love to hear some experienced people weigh in on this. Thanks!

Seems to me to be the starting of a real sad story. Pay up your
Insurance in advance

..........Joe...........

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2006, 05:15:38 AM »

That sort of nonsense is pure Hollywood. If you tried that you suffer the chance of having the slug rip through your wrist or hand if it glances off the cuffs but if it hits straight on you suffer the chance of having your entire hand ripped off by the edge of the cuffs. DO NOT DO THAT. Mikey.

Siskiyou · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2006, 07:07:26 AM »

The same outfit generated a story regarding a "Gorilla" saving blondes and swating airplanes from the Empire State building. Clearly an act for a brain damaged individual.

SaveFerris · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2006, 07:49:13 AM »

I love the responses! Its funny to think theres probably a few stupid criminals out there who have tried because they saw it on TV/movies.

WNY_Whitetailer · « **Reply #15 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:14:35 AM »

If you are going to try this can you at least list me as your primary beneficiary on your life insurance policy? :lol:

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #16 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:31:15 AM »

We actually had a person in Modesto (CA) write a letter to the editor suggesting that police should not shoot armed suspects. She wanted to know why they could not shoot the guns out of the perp's hands! Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy could do it, why not the Modesto PD?!!

SaveFerris · « **Reply #17 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:40:59 AM »

I never had any intention of trying this. I dont have handcuffs or a handgun. I dont plan on being arrested anytime either

Dont you guys ever discuss with your pals about crazy 'what if' scenarios?

SaveFerris · « **Reply #18 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:43:00 AM »

Quote from: Dusty Miller

We actually had a person in Modesto (CA) write a letter to the editor suggesting that police should not shoot armed suspects. She wanted to know why they could not shoot the guns out of the perp's hands! Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy could do it, why not the Modesto PD?!!

You could respond to the letter saying that the sparks flying off a gun thats been shot is a fire hazzard.

shermbob · « **Reply #19 on:** January 06, 2006, 10:19:37 AM »

The problem with (Dont you guys ever discuss with your pals about crazy 'what if' scenarios?) is that almost everybody on this site has alot of expireiance and are here to help and learn. They take this very seious . We don't know you and nobdy here wants to be responsable for yours or any body else's mistakes.You came to us don't be upset because you got an honset anwser. :roll:

SaveFerris · « **Reply #20 on:** January 06, 2006, 10:48:55 AM »

I appreciate honest answers--thats why I came! Im just reassuring everyone im not some felon using the internet in a lock-up somewhere planning on using a gun to bust out lol

I am very interested in handgun ballistics in general and I want to own one some day.

Siskiyou · « **Reply #21 on:** January 06, 2006, 10:58:00 AM »

After a career in law enforcement I really believe that there is somebody out there that will try anything. There are academically bright people out in the world who have a very narrow breath of life experience.

From years back I recall a recent graduate from University of California coming to work in our rural area. He had been on the Dean's List, and because of his honor's grades he was hired at a higher pay grade then the locals. His exploits kept the community entertained for a long time. One of them resulted in property damage and a crimnal investigation. The property owner was laughing so hard that he forgave him when he replaced the destroyed property.

But what was more bewildering was when he was observed wiping his dog's butt after the dog did his duty in the woods.

A very nice person who lived in a shell for his first 25 years.

Then there are the young who have been raised by the TV set, and video games which do not provide real sticky blood, or the smell when a injured persons bowel releases. Or the shocked family, and the "why" question. Yep, I have done some foolish things, but I was saved by working in a very structure enviorment. A lot of veterans around who provided sound advice. It is better to ask the question at times rather then commit the act. That you have done. So this old guy is trying to SaveFerris

darrell8937 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 06, 2006, 01:30:46 PM »

would be fun to try on myth busters. etc.. Probaly a well placed shot from a high powered rifle. against a semi hard surface. Find a pair of bolt cutters..and turn your self in....

rockbilly · « **Reply #23 on:** January 06, 2006, 04:44:04 PM »

Before trying this, you need to make a real good friend, that way you will have someone to scratch your butt for you.

Nuff said............ :roll:

SJPrice · « **Reply #24 on:** January 07, 2006, 01:49:31 AM »

Okay,

Send me all your favorite bestest guns and ammo and I will test them to see if they will penetrate handcuffs. I will return them to you after I finish all the tests. May take a few years to get them all tested, but you will get them back, really, you will. Trust me. :wink:

Arbyrod · « **Reply #25 on:** January 07, 2006, 08:07:45 AM »

Anyone ever see the commercial where they shoot a Master Padlock with a rifle and it doesn't open? 7mm mag and a master padlock, no contest. Lots of shrapnel and a very open lock. The guy that tries to shoot handcuffs off must use a very powerful load and will be called "Stumpy" from that day forward.

Pinkerton · « **Reply #26 on:** January 07, 2006, 05:07:33 PM »

I've found that the chain over the train track works best :-D

darrell8937 · « **Reply #27 on:** January 08, 2006, 07:31:26 AM »

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 2:07 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone ever see the commercial where they shoot a Master Padlock with a rifle and it doesn't open? 7mm mag and a master padlock, no contest. Lots of shrapnel and a very open lock. The guy that tries to shoot handcuffs off must use a very powerful load and will be called "Stumpy" from that day forward

Yes I saw that.. Unfortunatly I laso saw the sam type comercial open the lock,, and the quote"Sorry , it;s a Weatherby""
but no one was holding the lock.

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 09, 2006, 02:51:58 PM »

To give a more definitive conclusion, I suggest an experiment.

No, don't do it on yourself or another person; make the contraption out of two round pieces of wood, small enough for the cuffs to close around. Once you are a reasonable (safe) distance, but enough to where you are confident of a hit, start shootin'.

I'm more of the mindset that you will see lead and jacket material lodged in the wood, as well as either major or minor marks caused by the cuffs when impacted by the bullet. The cuffs will more likely be damaged than destroyed.

-Patriot

knight0334 · « **Reply #29 on:** January 09, 2006, 03:01:17 PM »

This link below may interest some of you guys. ...its within the scope of the subject. Be sure to read the other tests conducted to.

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