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Have you ever wondered — can a grenade flying through the air actually be shot? And if it is, will it explode mid-air or just drop to the ground like a dud? It sounds like a scene straight out of an action movie, right? But this isn’t just movie magic — it’s a real question that has puzzled many.
The MythBusters team, famous for testing dangerous and mind-blowing myths, decided to find out the truth. What they discovered wasn’t just surprising — it was scientifically explosive!
In this post, we’ll dive deep into their thrilling experiment, break down how grenades actually work, and explore what really happens when bullets hit them. And to top it off, we’ve got actual video proof at the end of this article showing the moment of truth — the final shot that shocked even the experts.
So stick around till the end… you won’t want to miss it!
Understanding How Grenades Work
Before we get to the Mythbusters test, it’s important to know how grenades actually work. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Grenade parts: A grenade typically has a metal body, a fuse, a pin, and explosive material (usually gunpowder).
- How it works: You pull the pin, throw it, and after a short delay (usually about 4 seconds), it explodes.
- Why it explodes: The fuse ignites the explosive inside the grenade after you release the safety lever (called the spoon).
Now, with this in mind, let’s go back to the big question: what happens if a grenade is shot mid-air?
The Mythbusters Experiment: Can You Shoot a Flying Grenade?
The Mythbusters team went to an open shooting range to test this dangerous idea. To be safe, they started with grenades filled with colored powder instead of real explosives.
Here’s what they did:
- Threw grenades in the air
- Tried to shoot them while flying
Surprisingly, they were actually able to hit the grenade mid-air!
But hitting a grenade is one thing. Making it explode is another.
Time for the Real Test: Using Real Explosive Grenades
Once they saw that they could hit a grenade in the air, the team went on to test with live grenades filled with real gunpowder.
They used three types of guns:
- A short gun
- A .45 caliber revolver
- A sniper rifle
Let’s break down what happened with each one:
Test 1: Short Gun
- Result: Hit the grenade
- Effect: The grenade broke open
- Explosion? No
The short gun wasn’t powerful enough to trigger the explosion, even though it cracked the grenade open.
Test 2: .45 Caliber Revolver
- Result: Bullet hit the cap of the grenade
- Effect: The cap exploded
- Explosion? Still no full explosion
The revolver was stronger than the short gun, but it still couldn’t make the grenade detonate.
Test 3: Sniper Rifle
- Result: Direct, accurate shot
- Effect: Full explosion
- Explosion? Yes!
Boom! When the sniper rifle hit the grenade in the right spot with high speed, the grenade finally exploded.
What Does This Mean?
So, can a flying grenade explode if shot?
Yes — but only under very specific conditions:
- The bullet needs to be powerful and fast enough (like from a sniper rifle)
- It must hit the right part of the grenade (usually the fuse or explosive core)
This shows that it’s not easy to explode a grenade in the air. In real-life situations, it would take a rare combination of accuracy, timing, and weapon power.
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Why Don’t Grenades Explode Easily When Shot?
Grenades are designed to be safe to handle until you pull the pin. That means:
- The outer shell is tough
- The fuse won’t activate unless the safety lever (spoon) is released
- Random impacts (like bullets) don’t easily trigger the explosion
This is important for soldiers and users — no one wants grenades exploding just from a drop or a stray bullet.
Real-Life Examples: Have Grenades Exploded From Gunfire?
Military reports and training experts have confirmed:
- In most cases, grenades do not explode from regular gunfire
- It’s considered very rare and unsafe to attempt
So while the Mythbusters test proved it’s possible, it’s also impractical and dangerous to rely on this.
The Physics Behind the Explosion
Let’s get a bit geeky:
- Bullet velocity matters: A sniper rifle’s bullet travels faster and has more force.
- Angle and location of impact: Hitting the fuse or the explosive area is key
- Energy transfer: Enough energy must be transferred to ignite the grenade’s explosive
This is why low-powered guns can damage a grenade but not explode it.
Other Explosive Myths Tested by Mythbusters
Here are a few more myths the Mythbusters team has tested:
- Can a bullet spark gasoline and cause a fire?
- Rare, but possible under perfect conditions
- Can you shoot a lock off a door like in movies?
- It’s not that easy; often takes multiple bullets
- Can explosions throw you safely through the air like in movies?
- No — real blasts cause serious injuries
These tests show that Hollywood often exaggerates reality.
Safety First: Never Try This at Home
Let’s be clear:
- The Mythbusters are trained professionals
- They use safety gear, remote-controlled weapons, and secure environments
Trying to shoot a grenade — or any explosive — is extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
Always leave this kind of testing to the experts.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
So, will a grenade explode if you shoot it?
Only if you hit it just right with a powerful enough bullet.
The Mythbusters proved it’s possible, but very unlikely in real life. This makes the idea more myth than reality — though not 100% false.
Conclusion: What We Learned Today
Let’s wrap it up:
- Grenades are tough and don’t explode easily
- Shooting one in the air is very hard
- Only a sniper rifle, with a perfect hit, made it explode
- Real-life explosions aren’t like in the movies
- Safety and controlled conditions are always a must
Now it’s your turn!
Would you have guessed a sniper rifle could make it explode? Share your thoughts in the comments!
And if you found this article helpful or interesting, don’t forget to:
- Share it with friends
- Bookmark for later
- Subscribe for more myth-busting stories!
🎥 Watch the Real Test in Action!
Still wondering if a grenade can really explode mid-air when shot? Don’t just take our word for it — watch the actual footage from the MythBusters-style experiment below. This video shows every thrilling moment, including the final explosive shot!
👇 Hit play to see the shocking results yourself! 👇
