Do Guns Really Cause Bombs, Mines, and Other Explosives to Explode as in Video Games and Movies?

Introduction

The question of whether guns can cause bombs, mines, and other explosives to detonate as depicted in video games and films has sparked widespread curiosity. The short answer is that it varies significantly, depending on the type of explosive, the velocity and type of weapon, and the specific circumstances.

Mythbusters: Testing the Feasibility of Stopping Grenades with Gunfire

One of the best sources of real-world data comes from the TV series Mythbusters. In their episode dedicated to this topic, they tested the effectiveness of stopping a grenade using various weapons.

When fired at extremely close range by low-velocity weapons such as pistols and shotguns, the grenade was typically disassembled or rendered harmless without detonating. However, high-velocity weapons, like certain rifles, could cause enough shock to trigger the explosives, setting the grenade off.

Mines and External Sensitivity

While it is unlikely, there is a small chance that a mine can be detonated by gunfire. Mines are often triggered by external sensitivity mechanisms, such as a tilt rod or tripwire. An errant shot could sever these sensitive parts, causing the mine to detonate.

At the extreme end of the spectrum, there is an even smaller chance of a lucky shot impacting the blasting cap of an explosive, creating a spark that detonates it. This is highly improbable but not impossible.

A specific example is the M131/M7 assembly, a non-electric blasting cap, which could be detonated by a direct hit from a high-velocity projectile.

Explosives and the Reality of Video Games

Most modern explosives do not behave like those shown in video games. For instance, C-4, a commonly used military explosive, can withstand extremely heavy bullets without detonating. Shooting C-4 is generally safer than relying on it to explode accidentally.

Bombs, including those in cars, can be set off by physical damage. However, media often exaggerates the frequency of such incidents in real life. This is especially true for nuclear weapons, which have a much more complex mechanism involving multiple layers of explosives.

Nuclear Weapons: The Most Complex Scenario

Nuclear weapons have a sophisticated detonation process that involves initiating a series of C-4 charges to set off nuclear fission, which in modern designs then initiates hydrogen fusion.

In the event of defusing a nuclear weapon, methods such as shooting it, hitting it with a sledgehammer, or even using another explosive like a rocket launcher might work. However, these actions would likely spread radioactive material. Defusing a nuclear weapon is a highly complex and dangerous task, often accompanied by far greater safety and security concerns.

Conclusion

The reality of how guns interact with explosives is significantly more nuanced than what is often depicted in video games and movies. The effectiveness of gunfire in causing explosives to detonate depends on multiple factors, including the type of explosive, the weapon's velocity, and the context. While it is plausible in specific scenarios, it is not a universal rule.

For purposes such as entertainment and public safety, it is crucial to understand the actual mechanics involved. This knowledge can help prevent misunderstandings and prepare individuals for the potential dangers associated with explosives and nuclear devices.